Province commemorates National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today, September 30, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day for Islanders and Canadians to reflect on the lasting impacts caused by residential schools and their ongoing effects on Indigenous peoples and communities. 

This day is also known as Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots Indigenous-led initiative founded in 2015 to raise awareness of the individual, family, community, and intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to recognize that Every Child Matters. 

Islanders are encouraged to wear orange today to honour the healing journey of those affected by residential schools and remember those who never made it home.

To mark the day, Premier Rob Lantz invited the Chiefs of the Mi’kmaq First Nations, along with members of the Indigenous community and the public, for a short reflection at the Provincial Administration Building at 11:30 this morning. The gathering was followed by lowering the flags to honour the lives of Indigenous peoples impacted by the residential school system. 

Later this evening, the Provincial Administration Building will be lit in orange. 

Quotes: 

“Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, we pause to remember and mourn all the innocent children who died or disappeared at residential schools and related institutions, as well as to honour those who survived years of neglect, abuse, and trauma, and, who along with their families and communities, continue to grapple with this legacy. This year, on the tenth anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, September 30 marks a significant moment of reflection on the progress we have made as a province and as a country, especially as less than three quarters of the 94 Calls to Action have yet to be meaningfully answered. If we are truly committed to reconciliation, Canada must resist the pull of other pressures and put sustained effort and investment towards achieving real and lasting change."

• Senator Brian Francis

“Every Child Matters is not just a phrase; it is a reminder of the children lost to residential schools and the survivors and families who carry their experiences every day. Today, we honour their memory and resilience. But remembering is not enough – reconciliation requires action. Together, we must build relationships to support our youth, celebrate our culture, and ensure a future where Mi’kmaw children grow up proud, strong, and valued.”

• Chief Tabatha Bernard, Lennox Island First Nation

“Today, we honour the survivors of residential schools, like my father, and remember the children who never returned home. This day calls on all of us to reflect on the ongoing impacts these schools have had on generations of our people, and to commit to intergenerational healing and reconciliation. True reconciliation means listening, learning, and working together to build a future grounded in respect, understanding, and pride in who we are as Mi’kmaq.” 

• Chief Junior Gould, Abegweit First Nation.

“On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools in Canada. I encourage all Islanders to learn about this history, listen to survivors, and engage in meaningful conversations. The PEI government remains committed to advancing reconciliation by working collaboratively with the PEI Mi’kmaq and Indigenous communities.”

• Honourable Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island

Learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Media contacts:
Nicole Yeba
Executive Council Office
ntyeba@gov.pe.ca     

Sean Doke
L’nuey 
sdoke@lnuey.ca