September 30, 2024

Check against delivery

Today, we commemorate the thousands of lives forever lost or traumatically impacted by the residential school system.

We honour the resilience of Survivors, who continue to bravely share their stories so that we may learn.

In their stories, there is unspeakable pain. But there is also tremendous courage and determination to emerge into healing and light.

I am deeply inspired by the stories of Survivors, who have overcome so much to be with us today.

By the stories of broken families gradually rebuilding their bonds, their communities and their identities.

By the stories of Survivors disconnected from essential services because their past traumas made them fear and mistrust teachers and doctors.

Tomorrow, we will stand under the Survivors’ flag here on Parliament Hill to honour these courageous individuals.

Despite the atrocities they endured, Survivors are reaching out to Canadians. They want all of Canada to learn from these hard lessons so they will never be repeated.

But flags and symbols are not enough.

We must ask ourselves: how, collectively, can we do better?

We are making progress.

We are seeing more attention being given to learning about Canada’s true history. We are paving the way to economic, education and health reconciliation.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices are being more and more heard and valued.

We still have much work to do.

But I feel increasingly hopeful.

Today, I encourage all Canadians to be allies to Survivors and their communities.

You can share Indigenous knowledge and help reconcile our history. You can speak out against discrimination when you see it.

Truth builds trust.

And trust builds hope.

Let’s continue walking this path together.

Merci, thank you, Nakurmiik.