What Is the National Truth and Reconciliation Day? And What Makes it Important?

For many years the world has seen Canada as a cultural mosaic that embraced cultures instead of trying to assimilate them. National Truth and Reconciliation Day is not just an important day of remembrance but also a critical time for Canadians to be honest about our real history. It is important that not only do Indigenous people recognize this day, but also we want to raise the awareness and opportunity for non-indigenous people to come to terms with what this day means and the impact boarding schools have had on Indigenous communities. September 30th is an opportunity for Indigenous people, Inuit and Metis, local government, schools and communities to come together in a spirit of reconciliation and hope for future generations of children.

In addition to acknowledging the traumatizing intergenerational impact of boarding schools that remain in indigenous communities to this day, we should also be acknowledging the history of Indian Residential Hospitals that separated medical treatment and contributed to generational trauma experienced by indigenous peoples.

This holiday gives us the chance to set aside special time in our day-to-day lives to honour, reflect, and learn. It opens up the opportunities for education and awareness as well as discussions for effective change. Effective change that requires working with First Nations health authorities, other government and health authorities, pharmacy associations, First Nations groups, social service providers, and others to implement our plan to create an environment free from racism and discrimination in which all people feel safe and respected.