People in Quebec are observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with various events and activities throughout the province. This federal holiday, held annually on September 30, pays tribute to residential school survivors and remembers the children who never made it home, while also promoting awareness of Canada’s Indigenous history and the ongoing reconciliation efforts.
Coinciding with this day is Orange Shirt Day, an initiative led by Indigenous communities to shed light on the lasting effects of residential schools on children, families, and communities.
A significant event in Quebec marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is the Mamu Nikantetau expedition. This week-long journey by foot and canoe covers 200 kilometers from Odanak to Wendake. Dr. Stanley Vollant, the founder of the expedition and an Innu surgeon from Pessamit, reflected on his mother’s experience in residential schools as he walked the final stretch on Tuesday.
Over 400 people participated in the expedition this year, indicating a growing interest and awareness in the cause.
In Montreal, the Every Child Matters March, supported by POP Montreal, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, and Resilience Montreal, took place at Mount Royal Park. Participants wore orange to honor the children impacted by residential schools. Naomee James, a march attendee, emphasized the personal significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, highlighting her journey to reconnect with her heritage due to her grandmother’s residential school experience.
Chloe Mialikuluk, another participant, spoke about the importance of raising awareness about the legacy of residential schools and called for greater action from decision-makers to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report.
Various events were also organized in Montreal, including activities at the Botanical Garden, university initiatives, and symbolic gestures like the illumination of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge in orange.
Outside Montreal, activities were held at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, the Listuguj Mi’gmaq community, and Schefferville, where the community honored the late Innu leader Utshimau Alexandre Napess McKenzie with a park renaming ceremony and commemorative installations.
