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
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.