Remembrance and reflection: Canada Day has new meaning for residential school survivor
As Canadians mark the country's 154th birthday, Nova Scotia residential school survivor Yvonne Meunier says Canada Day this year is all about reflection for her family.
"I don’t know if I’d ever want to celebrate Canada Day again to tell you the truth. I think I’ll reflect more on my history and my culture," says Meunier, who attended Shubenacadie Residential School.
Meunier says as the number of unmarked graves found near former residential schools in Canada grows, so does the pain.
"My heart is broken and it’s very heavy right now and I will certainly be praying every step that I walk today for all of those missing and those babies that were found," she says.
Flags were at half-mast outside the Heritage Park in Membertou as hundreds of people took to the streets of Sydney Thursday afternoon, walking in memory of the children who never made it home.
"We can make history from here on out. We can make history by everyone coming together, by everyone learning about one another, that’s what we need to do today," says Jeff Ward, general manager of the Heritage Park.
Ward is thankful his mother survived her experience and says that's how delicate and serious this issue is.
“I wouldn’t be here if something happened to her, if something happened to my grandfather, I wouldn’t be here. My son wouldn’t be here," says Ward.
Meunier says she challenges everyone in this country to learn more about truth and reconciliation and to become more educated about what has happened.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.