Truth and Reconciliation: How to reflect and honour Indigenous history
Indigenous communities across the nation on Thursday will reflect on its history, honour survivors and remember those who were lost while attending residential schools.
Allan Polchies, chief at St. Mary’s First Nation in Fredericton, says for him, the day is more about people taking responsibility and action, and ensuring education is available to everyone to learn about residential schools and Indigenous issues.
"I hope they reflect and take some time to learn a little bit more of the Wolastoqey territory. I'm encouraging folks to walk along the beautiful Wolastoq River where our identity comes from - our language, our culture - and of course, to reflect on how we can set the path forward," says Polchies.
He suggests taking time to write your local elected officials to express how Indigenous education can be incorporated into the community.
St. Thomas University's Indigenous student services held an information booth on campus Wednesday to help people learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Day, to be celebrated each year on Sept 30.
They're hoping it ignites allyship on campus.
"To take the time out of the day tomorrow to learn about Indigenous issues and the realities that we face, to wear orange, I think is very important. It symbolizes the resiliency of the survivors that attended residential school,” said Trenton Augustine, Indigenous Student Services Coordinator.
Rachel Burke, the Indigenous Experiential Learning Coordinator at St. Thomas University says a lot of people are looking for direction on how to reflect.
"They're just asking 'what do I do?' (It's) a big question for a lot of people, like 'how do I contribute?' I don't know a lot about what's happening, so I just tell them - say a prayer, write a reflection, something that means well, even if it's just something simple," said Burke.
"We're so used to saying 'rest in peace,' and I think that's a good sentiment if you don't know a lot."
For many, Wednesday was an opportunity to learn the history of Canada's Indigenous peoples.
"It was an amazing opportunity to make us really understand everything that happened and to make us reflect about it, because of course we wear our shirts in school, but actually what happened. It made me think about it and realize it,” said Isabella Barald, a St. Thomas University student.
Chief Polchies says it's encouraging for him to see that local businesses and individuals throughout the Maritimes plan to take the day to reflect.
“It's all about the responsibility, it's about the truth, it's about what our friends are doing, because people are very compassionate and they care,” Polchies said.
The Wolastoqey flag will be permanently raised in front of Fredericton City Hall at noon Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.