(Toronto, Ont.–Sept. 30, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released the following statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a stark reminder of what First Nations children endured at residential schools. These institutions caused unimaginable harm to entire generations of First Nations people that can still be felt today. It is a reality with lasting intergenerational impacts that must never be forgotten. Though these ‘schools’ shaped the trajectory of First Nations across Canada, today is also a time to recognize and honour the incredible strength of the survivors and their families. Despite widespread, systematic attempts to erase entire cultures, languages and traditions, these ‘schools’ sought to ‘kill the Indian in the child,’ yet they thrive today. Our unique Nations and cultures exist today because survivors of the residential school system fought to keep them alive—often in the face of serious personal harm. They passed on the traditions, languages and teachings these institutions sought to destroy so that all of us today know who we are, where we come from and how we got here. Their resilience is a testament to the spirit of our people who have fought—and continue to fight—to heal and restore our communities. Reconciliation is an ongoing process. It demands more than words; it requires meaningful action from governments, organizations and society at large. We must listen to and uplift First Nations’ voices, so that our true history is known and understood by all Canadians.”

Residential schools operated as institutions of cultural indoctrination for over 165 years. Between 1831 and 1996, there were more than 130 federally supported residential schools in Canada, including 18 in Ontario. Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities, cut off from their cultures, and endured horrific abuse and treatment. They were forced to abandon their languages and assimilate into the customs of the country’s colonial ideals, all while enduring harsh and inhumane conditions.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation grew from Orange Shirt Day, which began as a grassroots movement to honour the experiences of Phyllis Webstad, a First Nations residential school survivor. Today we honour the children who were lost, the survivors who carry their stories, and the families who continue to seek justice and healing.

The Chiefs of Ontario urges all Canadians to take time on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to reflect on this dark chapter of Canada’s history. For reports and additional resources, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt

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Chiefs of Ontario

Telephone: 416-819-8184

Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org