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
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.