Catholic Teachers Commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day
"On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home. As we wear orange, we remember that the truth of residential schools must be accompanied by action to address the harms and injustices that continue today.
As Catholic teachers, we recognize the responsibility we carry in our classrooms and communities. Students deserve to learn the truth about residential schools and colonialism, while also learning about the histories, cultures, knowledge, contributions, and contemporary realities of Indigenous Peoples. We are grateful to the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous educators, and community members who continue to share their knowledge and help strengthen this learning. Their insights are a valuable opportunity for us all to grow and take meaningful reconciliatory action.
Reconciliation requires governments and institutions to listen to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, respect their rights and self-determination, and be accountable when their actions fall short. The federal government must listen to concerns around the First Nations Clean Water Act and work directly with First Nations to guarantee access to clean drinking water rather than accepting legislation that falls short.
Governments must also respect Indigenous rights when making decisions about lands, waters, resources, and major development projects. We continue our calls on the Ford government to repeal Bill 5 and work in true partnership with First Nations, respecting inherent, treaty, and constitutional rights before advancing projects that affect their lands, waters, and communities.
There is also much more work to be done to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the Calls for Justice. After being announced 11 years ago, 41% of the Calls to Action are either not started or stalled. Indigenous families, Survivors, and leaders deserve adequate funding, clear timelines, transparency, and meaningful accountability at every stage.
As Catholic teachers, we also recognize that the responsibility of truth and reconciliation extends to the Church. We welcome the return of Indigenous cultural belongings from the Vatican, while recognizing that this is only one step in a much longer journey. We call on the Church to work directly with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to continue identifying and returning cultural and sacred belongings to their communities of origin and to fulfill the outstanding Church-related Calls to Action.
Reconciliation requires more than words. It requires listening when Indigenous Peoples tell us that action is inadequate, challenging systems that continue to cause harm, and ensuring Indigenous voices, rights, and priorities guide the path forward. Catholic teachers remain committed to doing our part in our classrooms, our communities, and our Association, while walking alongside First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in the pursuit of truth, justice, healing, and meaningful reconciliation. We reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation and will continue to listen, learn, take action, and uphold our shared responsibility to ensure the truth is remembered and meaningful reconciliation moves forward."
— René Jansen in de Wal
President, Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association