September 29, 2025

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We gather on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.

As we acknowledge this place, we also honour the memory of the children taken from these communities to residential schools, like so many others across the country.

I am moved by the stories of those who never came home. I am equally moved by the resilience of those who survived and continue to carry forward their traditions, despite the pain and injustices of the past.

Ten years ago, hundreds of children and youth, along with residential school Survivors, gathered here on the grounds of Rideau Hall, to plant paper hearts.

This gesture was part of the closing ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It was a public demonstration of their commitment to reconciliation and to the TRC’s Calls to Action.

Through the Commission, Survivors shared with Canadians the painful and horrific experiences they endured at the hands of residential school personnel.

It took courage. It took profound inner light.

To the Survivors with us: your stories are an immense gift.

They are an extended hand—an invitation to repair bridges between all communities in Canada.

Ten years after the Commission released its final report, we are not yet where we need to be.

But the voices of Survivors have opened hearts and minds to follow the path of reconciliation.

Across the country, I sense more compassion and a growing desire to learn about our true national history.

In recent years, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and customs have been increasingly present at commemorations and international events.

Symbols like the orange shirt have become widely recognized.

History courses are challenging long-standing narratives and embracing broader perspectives, including those of Indigenous communities long overlooked.

Indigenous cultures, languages and arts are taking up more space in Canadian public life.

And more Indigenous children can now proudly learn and speak their ancestral languages in school.

These are significant steps forward.

And these steps forward were sparked by the stories of Survivors.

Today, we are honoured to hear from First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists who have designed three exceptional sculptures that will be installed in a permanent heart garden on these grounds.

Visitors from across the country and around the world will have the opportunity to admire these sculptures and learn from them.

They will also continue planting paper hearts, committing to reconciliation in a tradition that has spread from coast to coast to coast over the past ten years.

This gathering is meant to create space for listening, understanding and healing. We need more spaces like this across the country.

We need spaces where Survivors and their families can reconnect with their traditional healing practices and find peace.

I want to thank each of you for being part of this moment.

To the Survivors especially: your presence today is both graceful and impactful.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.

Please continue extending your hands to Canadians from all walks of life.

It will help us walk the path of reconciliation together—with hope in our hearts and for the generations to come.