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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Hybrid Event, September 29th

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Hybrid Event, September 29th

Introduction

Aaniin! Kwey Kwey! Hello! Bonjour!

I had the privilege of participating at the Canadian Forces Service Group Ottawa-Gatineau’s (CFSG-OG) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation hybrid event on September 29th. The significant gathering welcomed DND/CAF personnel, from across this nation, both in person and virtually across Turtle Island, fostering reflection on our history, meaningful dialogue, and path toward a more inclusive and compassionate future.

This event underscored the critical significance of recognizing Canada’s historical truths. It specifically emphasized the deep-seated injustices, discrimination, and profound suffering inflicted upon the Indigenous communities. It not only served as a platform for Indigenous voices but also provided a sacred safe space for the sharing of their stories, fostering a profound atmosphere of empathy and understanding among all attendees.

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are observed on September 30th. This date carries deep significance as it serves as a heartfelt tribute to the children who tragically never returned home from the harrowing experience of residential schools. It also pays profound respect to the survivors of these institutions, as well as their families, and the wider communities affected by this dark chapter in our history. It seeks to raise awareness about the individual, family, and community inter-generational consequences of these schools, and underscores the vital concept that “Every Child Matters.” The symbolic choice of the orange shirt powerfully represents the cultural identity, personal freedom, and self-esteem that Indigenous children were stripped of throughout generations, making it a visible reminder of the ongoing healing and reconciliation journey, we must collectively undertake.


Key Takeaways

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event served as an opportunity where individuals from diverse backgrounds converged to contemplate the profound challenges encountered by Indigenous communities throughout Canada’ s history. This assembly highlighted the impact of acknowledging these truths and provided a platform for Indigenous voices. During the event, several key messages emerged:

  • The Masters of Ceremonies, Maya Knott – from Curve Lake First Nation and Indigenous Liaison Officer for CFSG-OG and Terri Graham, from Temagami First Nation and Civilian co-chair for the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group, guided the event thoughtfully and meaningfully to its conclusion. They were instrumental in maintaining the events schedule, ensuring that all aspects of the program ran smoothly. Terri Graham provided the French translation of Maya’s inspiring words. Maya’s tireless efforts behind the scenes, as the organizer, coordinating speakers and participants, were also contributory in making this important event a profound and consequential experience for all.
  • 2Lt Melanie Rustenburg, hailing from English River First Nation, conducted a smudging ceremony. Using an abalone shell, Melanie ignited white sage. In Indigenous tradition, cedar, tobacco, sweetgrass, and sage represent the four sacred medicines. Following the smudging, Melanie experienced a transformation. Her senses were cleansed; her eyes to see unity, her ears to hear kind words, her mouth to speak truth and respect in memory of the residential school  children and their Indigenous communities, her heart to love and support, her hair a proud symbol of history, and her feet to walk life's path alongside her people, providing strength, and guidance to those in need.
  • Missy Knott, a gifted Indigenous singer songwriter, and an Ojibwe kwe/woman graced us with her beautiful voice. She paid tribute by performing “Amazing Grace” in both Anishinaabemowin and English, highlighting her extraordinary musical talent.
  • LGen Jocelyn Paul shared touching words with us all, reminding us that September 30th will always be recognized as a movement of solidarity, strength, and a promise. During his speech, he stressed the importance of understanding and researching residential schools, Indigenous culture, Treaties, and Territorial acknowledgments… “Be an ear, a hand, and a shoulder to the Indigenous community who need it. Generational trauma is very much real and with proper support, respecting mental health, protecting our Indigenous families, our traditions, our waterways, and Turtle Island, with guided focus, we will move forward!”
  • "Never Alone", art piece by Freddy Taylor…. A Residential School Survivor, and an accomplished Indigenous artist. His meaningful art piece titled “Never Alone” was shared during the event. 2Lt Melanie Rustenburg smudged Freddy Taylor’s art piece which is a representation of freedom, ability, talent, and culture that would have been punished if presented years ago. His art piece will be predominately displayed at CFSG (O-G)’s Sacred Space in building five, as well as at the Carling Campus Tipi Site during significant events. Powerful words which were written by Freddy Taylor were also shared during the event to describe his beautiful art piece “Never Alone” … “Sometimes here on Turtle Island, there comes a path of loneliness and heartache due to loss of friends, family. Our tears will fall silently for those that are lost and are trying to be lost. This painting’s title is ‘Never Alone’ because in our loving ways, we will always be close. Our thoughts and memories keep those that have entered the spirit world to never be alone.”  Miigwetch. By Freddy Taylor.
  • Missy Knott also performed a beautiful acapella rendition of the late Maya Angelou’s poem, “I Rise.”


Next Steps

The Department of National Defence has committed to continuously supporting our Indigenous communities through initiatives like the DND Indigenous Reconciliation Program (IRP) launched in April 2023. The IRP will fund DND collaborations with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners better understand diverse Indigenous perspectives and priorities. DND has committed $9.5 million dollars over five years to better align its engagement and operations with the UN Declaration and to support consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples. Funding will be available to support a broad variety of engagement, consultation and information sharing activities, and to encourage collaboration with DND on projects and activities such as military exercises, infrastructure projects, real property transactions, policy research and decision making.


Conclusion

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event illustrated the profound power of acknowledging historical realities by, inspiring dialogue, empathy, and unity among its participants. This event marks a significant milestone on the path toward healing and unity in Canada. It serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to confront the painful history of Indigenous peoples, recognizing that we are all on a journey of learning and unlearning. Together, we strive to build a more inclusive and compassionate future and in doing so, we can ensure that the rights of Indigenous communities are upheld and protected.


Useful Support Resources and Links


In collaboration,

Samantha Moonsammy, L1 Diversity and Inclusion Section Head

Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence

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