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
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.