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Not just one day: Reflection to Action on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Written by: Sambiro Kitawi, Honours Life Science V, Program Assistant

What is NDTR? 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) is a day to acknowledge the tragic history and its ongoing impact of the residential school system. This day is to commemorate children’s lives that were lost, the Survivors of residential schools, and the inter- generational impact it has had on families and communities.  During this day it’s critical for us to educate ourselves on the true history of residential schools and learn how to integrate practices of reconciliation in our day-to-day. 

Residential schools were begun in the 17th century in “New France”, and became systemized in the 1880s when the Canadian government, Protestant and Roman Catholic churches collaborated to build the program. After the abolishment of the Indian act in 1894, Residential schools were forced upon Indigenous children, a clear attempt to eradicate the culture, language and religion of Indigenous peoples through the cruel and systematic abuse of their next generation – children. Residential schools remained until 1996,  with over 150 000 children forced in, and a century of desecrating entire generations of Indigenous children. In 1998, the federal government published a statement of reconciliation, which had been advocated for by former survivors of the school since the 1980s. As recently as 2008, an Agreement was finalized (Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement) providing $1.9 billion for former survivors of Residential schools. National Truth and Reconciliation Day provides a much needed opportunity to deepen our understanding of this history, identify the discrepancies in policy and systemic traumas that persist today. 

What is the path to Reconciliation? 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commision’s Calls to Action. This day also coincides with  Orange Shirt Day to raise awareness to each child that passed in the residential school system. It is especially critical to remind ourselves, as settlers, of the 94 Truth and Reconciliation calls to action, and commit to practicing reconciliation in our daily lives. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action – NCTR, which call the government, and all members of society “ to make concrete changes in society”. 

 

How Should We Can Walk the Path of Reconciliation at McMaster 

As Chrissy Doolittle, Director of Indigenous Student Services at McMaster University, shared in a recent conversation, reconciliation is not a one-day event, it is a daily, lifelong commitment that begins with education, respect, and relationship-building. 

Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity to reflect on history, but it must also ignite long-term action. Chrissy emphasized that honouring this day means stepping beyond passive reflection and engaging in practices that challenge colonial systems and uplift Indigenous voices. 

Chrissy shared that NDTR is about taking small, consistent steps that are meaningful, as reconciliation starts with learning, unlearning, and showing up. 

Practical Steps Toward Reconciliation for McMaster Students 

Chrissy offered tangible ways non-Indigenous students can begin or deepen their personal reconciliation journeys: 

1. Educate Yourself 

  • Attend Indigenous-led events, like those hosted by Indigenous Student Services (ISS) or the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge. 
  • Participate in the Indigenous Book Club offered by Indigenous Studies in the winter term. 
  • Enroll in Indigenous Studies courses to understand the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and dig deeper into truths that were never taught in school 
  • Access online courses, workshops and more, such as Indigenous Canada Course through Coursera 

 2. Support and Engage Respectfully to Build Relationships, Not Performances 

Chrissy emphasized that reconciliation requires more than just showing up—it’s about building respectful, ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities. 

Students can start by: 

  • Following Indigenous programs and events through the Indigenous Student Services (ISS) website and social media 
  • Joining wellness activities in partnership with Indigenous groups, while being mindful of the line between engagement and appropriation 
  • Participating in workshops, Indigenous Research Day, and cultural events, with the intent to listen, learn, and reflect 

3. Build Relations not performance and Advocate with your fellow students 

  • Supporting and connecting with CISSA (Co-operative of Indigenous Studies Students and Alumni), which creates space for shared learning and solidarity 
  • Engage with Indigenous initiatives and actively participate in campus events that advocate for the betterment of Indigenous communities. 

 

Reconciliation as Advocacy: Beyond the Classroom 

Recognize that reconciliation requires ongoing action, dialogue, and advocacy both on and off campus. Staying informed and advocating for Indigenous sovereignty is essential to meaningful allyship. 

Find out More! 

Literature in the Lounge – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:  

The Wellness Lounge will feature a selection of literature. Students visiting the lounge are invited to explore short stories and graphic novels that reflect on the ongoing impact of residential schools, explore themes of truth and reconciliation, and offer insights on how to reflect these values in daily life: Literature in the Lounge – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Student Wellness Centre 

The Daily News: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Events and Resources: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Events and Resources – Daily News 

 

Read more on the History of Canadian Residential Schools:  

“The largest class action settlement in Canadian history to date, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) recognized the damage inflicted on Indigenous peoples by residential schools, and established a multi-billion-dollar fund to help former students in their recovery”: Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement | The Canadian Encyclopedia 

 Culture,  Relationships