Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, Saturday, is a federallyrecognized statutory holiday in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This holiday falls on September 30th each year. This day honours residential school survivors across Canada and the thousands of children who never made it home.
The federal government contracted the Catholic and Anglican churches to operate the residential facilities in order to assimilate Indigenous peoples into the white man's culture. One of the ways was to separate Indigenous peoples from their families and homes. Our people were not allowed to speak their native language or practise their traditions and culture. They were trying to take the Indian out of Indigenous peoples. This was recognized in the White Paper of 1969 published by the Liberal government.
The physical and psychological impacts from the residential school system continues to this day. It has impacted many generations.
The annual day is set aside to reflect and remember all of our ancestors who have passed and to reflect on the many children who have lost their lives in the care of the residential school system. This day is an important step in the reconciliation process and recognized as one of the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Please join in on the festivities to mark this all-important day to commemorate all residential school survivors. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.
