Catholic Teachers Mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
“On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the Survivors of residential schools, the families and communities who still carry the weight of this history, and the children whose lives were stolen. Wearing orange on this day is more than a symbol — it is a public acknowledgment of the injustices that were carried out and a collective commitment to ensure these truths are never forgotten.
Survivors have been clear in their message to us: Canada must not only remember what was done, but also take action to repair the harm. Their stories remind us that reconciliation is not an abstract idea — it is an obligation to take action.
Catholic teachers recognize it is our responsibility to take these steps each and every day in our classrooms and communities. We carry a responsibility to make sure students are learning the histories, cultures, and contemporary realities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples — not only as curriculum content, but as vital knowledge for building a more just society.
We echo the calls of Indigenous leaders for immediate government action towards justice. The federal government must follow through on its promise to introduce legislation guaranteeing the human right to clean drinking water for First Nations and must end delays in child welfare reform by returning to the table with Indigenous partners. Meaningful action is also required to uphold the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and ensure First Nations voices are respected in decisions about major projects under Bill C-5. Here in Ontario, we continue to call on the Ford government to respect Indigenous communities, listen to local leaders and repeal Bill 5, and restore funding and supports for Indigenous education, so that every student can learn this country’s history.
As an Association, we call on the Vatican to strengthen its reconciliation work, implement strategies outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and uphold Pope Francis’ promise to return cultural artifacts to Indigenous communities.
We celebrate that, despite the attempts to silence and erase them, Indigenous Peoples continue to rise. Catholic teachers remain committed to walking alongside Indigenous Peoples in the pursuit of justice and healing. Together, we will continue to make space for Indigenous voices, honour the resilience of Survivors, and uphold the truth that every child matters.”
- René Jansen in de Wal, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association