While Canada may be seen in a positive light around the world, the nation has a dark history. As such, it is taking steps to try and move toward reconciliation with First Nations peoples; however, the magnitude of pain is such that attempts to do so often fail to grasp the enormity of suffering.
Over 150,000 aboriginal children were removed from their families to live in government boarding schools. What’s more, more than 6,000 of these children died in the schools or from their experiences. As a result, the federal government is speaking with First Nations groups to determine which day should commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools.
The first date in consideration is June 21st, which is observed in Canada as National Indigenous People’s Day. A second date, September 30th, which observed as Orange Shirt Day, is also under consideration.
New Statutory Holiday
“The AFN is among several groups the federal government has consulted as it prepares to announce the creation of what is expected to be known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – one of the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which spent years investigating the abuse of children at the church-run schools,” reports the Globe and Mail.
Currently, Canada only has five national statutory holidays. These include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day and Christmas Day.
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