I thought I should take the responsibility to post this and remind everyone about what today is.
National Day For Truth And Reconciliation
Both my parents are survivors of the residential school era and my family have had to live with this horror all our lives … whether we knew it or not.
For me the day is not to shame anyone or lay blame on those around me.
But rather to let everyone know about this history and never allow anything like it to ever happen again.
As a non-FN person, I never really know what to do on this day. Remembrance Day for example has the usual ceremonies around 11am.
It is Truth and Reconciliation:
Truth - the past happened and we don’t deny it
Reconciliation - coming together as friends
Sounds like you have done the Truth part. Just start reconciling. Perhaps collaboratively work towards a better future if the opportunity presents itself. At the very least, show that you are up for it.
Note I did not say guilt or compensation. You can do that if you want but it is not a requirement.
The fact you acknowledge the day and think about this history is enough.
Remember this history, share it on this day with others around you. It’s not a celebration, or even a ceremony, it’s a commemoration.
Remembering also shouldn’t be all negative, it’s an affirmation that you stand and support those who suffered in the past and are suffering now and wish that it will never happen again to any group of people any where.
I’m not FN but I’m wearing my tshirt so I can show solidarity that this was an atrocity that should never happen again. I’m definitely open to other suggestions though! I wish there was a live celebration somewhere that you could watch.