NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

The program will start at 10 am by raising the flag “Every child Matters” at the union hall. Members have to maintain strict COVID 19 protocol if you choose to attend the ceremony at the hall

In the 1880s, in conjunction with other federal assimilation policies, the government began to establish residential schools across Canada. Authorities would frequently take children to schools far from their home communities, part of a strategy to alienate them from their families and familiar surroundings. In 1920, under the Indian Act, it became mandatory for every Indigenous child to attend a residential school or day school.

Residential schools systematically undermined Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures across Canada and disrupted families for generations, severing the ties through which Indigenous culture is taught and sustained, and contributing to a general loss of language and culture. Because they were removed from their families, many students grew up without experiencing a nurturing family life and without the knowledge and skills to raise their own families. The devastating effects of the residential schools are far-reaching and continue to have a significant impact on Indigenous communities.

There are many unmarked graves have been discovered. The last Indian residential school, located in Saskatchewan, closed in 1996. 

Reconciliation requires more than a national holiday. Indigenous Peoples continue to suffer from ongoing colonial practices.

Toronto Local stands in solidarity with the victims of the residential school system and calls on all levels of government to adopt and implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.  

In Solidarity

Qaiser Maroof

President

CUPW Toronto Local

23^rd September,2021