Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on the first observance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation:

“Today is an opportunity to reflect and learn about the legacy of the Residential School system and its impact on Indigenous people, families and communities across the Northwest Territories and Canada. It’s also a time to remember those young children who were stolen from their homes, only to never return.

“For many of us, the pain of this part of Canadian history is very real. The generational impact the Residential School system has had on NWT residents continues to be felt today. This is not something of the past but rooted in the present day. In the Northwest Territories, it’s not uncommon to know someone who attended a residential school, and the impact it has had. We see it everyday.

“September 30 is also a day where we encourage everyone to wear orange to show support in an effort to do right by the decades of colonial oppression against Indigenous people across Canada. By wearing orange, we show that we will not allow another Phyllis Jack Webstad to happen. Webstad wore an orange shirt on her first day of Residential School, only to have it take away, making her feel like she didn’t matter.

“What she felt mattered. Every child matters.

“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to deliberate actions that advance reconciliation and help us move toward a future where all residents share in the benefits of a healthy, just, sustainable, and prosperous society.

“I hope every public servant and all residents use the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an opportunity to consider what each of us can do to advance reconciliation and recommit to understanding the harmful legacy of residential schools in the Northwest Territories.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all who have been affected by residential schools to be reaffirmed that they matter and to celebrate the idea that every child matters. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and the legacy they have left behind. I encourage all NWT residents to learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and about the National Inquiry’s Final Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“I hope you will take time today to listen to Indigenous voices and amplify their stories where possible. Together, we can advance reconciliation and support Indigenous self-determination.”