While people across the country will mark Canada Day in their own way this year, the Nunatsiavut Government is urging Canadians to use the day to reflect on what true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples really means.
The discoveries of the remains of 215 children and 751 unmarked graves near residential schools in Kamloops, British Columbia and the Cowessess First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan respectively, have opened up many wounds – even amongst Labrador Inuit.
As Canadians, we can all look back on how far we have come as a country, but we must also give serious thought to how much further we need to go before there is true reconciliation.
We encourage all Labrador Inuit, whether they plan to celebrate Canada Day or not, to wear orange instead of red and white this year as a sign of respect to those impacted by residential schools. We also encourage all Canadians – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – to take the time to read the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada including the Calls to Action, as well as the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Canada Day events in Nunatsiavut are organized by the five Labrador Inuit Community Governments. The Nunatsiavut Government will support each in whatever they choose to do this year.