P.E.I. premier and indigenous leaders commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Premier Dennis King marked the Nationwide Day for Fact and Reconciliation on September 30, as Islanders got here collectively to mirror on the impacts of residential faculties and their results on Indigenous peoples and communities.
Previously referred to as Orange Shirt Day, the day gained recognition as a provincial statutory vacation for all Islanders in 2021 by way of an modification to the Employment Requirements Act, responding to the eightieth Fact and Reconciliation Name to Motion.
To commemorate the event, King prolonged an invite to the Chiefs of the Mi’kmaq First Nations, together with members of the Indigenous group and the general public, to the Provincial Administration Constructing for a quick reflection.
It’s by way of studying concerning the historical past of residential faculties, listening to the tales of survivors, acknowledging ongoing impacts of the discrimination that came about, that we will mirror the position every of us has in advancing significant reconciliation. – Premier Dennis King pic.twitter.com/kxER2vHzLC
— Authorities of PEI (@InfoPEI) September 30, 2023
The reducing of flags adopted, honouring the lives affected by the residential faculty system. Within the night, the Provincial Administrative Constructing was illuminated in orange to represent the day.
King additionally introduced the launch of the Geographic Naming Advisory Program, aiming to make sure group names respect all residents, with Savage Harbour being the primary group proposed by Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation.
“Reconciliation, at its core, is about listening to the considerations of Indigenous peoples and taking significant motion,” he stated.
Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation emphasised the importance of the day.
“This present day is a solemn reminder of the painful legacy of the residential faculty system and the continuing impacts of colonization on our communities,” stated Bernard.
“It’s a day to mirror on the truths which were shared and to resume our dedication to reconciliation, therapeutic and justice.”
Gould echoed the sentiment, calling on all Canadians to acknowledge the painful historical past and decide to the trail of reconciliation.
“It’s only by way of understanding, empathy, and significant actions that we will heal the injuries of the previous and transfer ahead collectively in a spirit of partnership and respect,” stated Gould.
“This present day serves as a reminder of the work that also must be completed to make sure justice, therapeutic, and reconciliation for all Indigenous peoples in Canada.”
