Second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Ottawa
The second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was marked in Ottawa through new traditions amongst survivors, their families and supporters.
Many coming together to mark the dark history of Canada’s past.
It’s a difficult day for Shirley Quedent’s husband, a survivor.
"It still affects him today and we brought our grandson to give him some support and life. A life-giving energy and medicine as a young one," Quedent said.
Quedent’s grandson placing a pair of children’s shoes at a memorial spot.
"My brother-in-law told me his shoes were all torn apart when they got there," she said. "There was no soles left and that’s what it means, children put your shoes on and try to get home."
Hundreds walked from Parliament Hill to LeBreton Flats on Friday, carrying a banner with the names of children who died within the school system.
"To support the whole concept of moving forward and healing together," said Susan Anthony, whose sister-in-law is a survivor.
There’s grief passed down through generations, as many have not yet healed from the trauma.
“Right now we are not mourning and grieving, we are still educating the Canadian population,” said Gabrielle Fayant, co-founder of the Assembly of Seven Generations.
Former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner, Marie Wilson, says this day is momentous, but there is work to be done.
“As many survivors told us when they spoke to us during the commission, they raised their children the way they themselves had been raised, which is often in the context of anger and violence," Wilson said.
Flags throughout the national capital region, including at Parliament Hill, Ottawa City Hall, and city buildings were lowered to half-mast in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The first plaque about residential schools unveiled in Ottawa. A plaque to remember Dr. Bryce, who called the schools a national crime.
"A lot of people may not be aware that Ottawa was command and control of residential schools and yet this is the very first plaque in downtown Ottawa," said Cindy Blackstock, spokesperson for the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
Blackstock says they are hoping to build this plaque to become part of a historical walk through the Nation’s Capital, teaching about the atrocities of the past.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
WATCH LIVE As GC Strategies partner is admonished by MPs, RCMP confirms search warrant executed
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday it had executed a search warrant at an address registered to GC Strategies. This development comes as MPs are enacting an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power, summoning one of its contractors to appear before the House of Commons to be admonished publicly for failing to answer questions related to the ArriveCan app.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Former Sask. massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients has day parole revoked
A former massage therapist who pleaded guilty to a string of sexual assaults has had his day parole revoked.