09/30/2025
Truth and Reconciliation Day is a moment to reflect on a painful history and the resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Residential schools forcibly removed generations of Indigenous children from their families, often erasing language, culture, and identity.
The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), finalized in 2006, was the result of decades of advocacy and legal action. It involved approximately 86,000 Indigenous peoples who had been enrolled as children in these schools. Survivors didn’t just receive compensation—they fought for their stories to be heard and for the truth to be documented.
The IRSSA also led to the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which collected survivors’ testimonies and works to educate all Canadians about the lasting impacts of residential schools.
Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity to learn, listen, and reflect on the ongoing work of reconciliation—honoring the past while committing to meaningful action alongside Indigenous communities.
For more information, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Pictured: Nora Bernard (1935–2007)
Nora Bernard, a Mi’kmaq survivor of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School, fought tirelessly for justice. In 1995, she launched the first class-action lawsuit on behalf of survivors, leading to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA)—Canada’s largest class-action settlement.
Known for her courage, kindness, and determination, Nora spent twelve years ensuring survivors’ stories were heard and recognized. She passed away having seen her vision realized, leaving a lasting legacy of advocacy and resilience.
