Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

“Today marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the Dene, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the survivors, their families, and communities. Today is a reminder of a painful chapter in our history—one we must never forget and from which we must continue to learn.

In the Northwest Territories (NWT), where half the population is Indigenous, the painful legacy of residential schools is deeply felt—whether as survivors of the trauma or through the experiences of those close to us. As part of this government’s mandate, we are committed to addressing the effects of trauma and supporting residents and communities in healing.

In collaboration with Indigenous governments, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has been implementing territorially relevant Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and through cooperation agreements and forums like the Council of Leaders and the NWT Housing Forum, we are working together to ensure that investments, programs, and policies meet the unique needs of Indigenous residents.

In this spirit of collaboration, next week, Cabinet will participate with other Council of Leaders members in meetings with federal Ministers to advocate for the people of the Northwest Territories. This is reconciliation in action, reinforcing our commitment to building a prosperous future that creates an environment in which Indigenous residents and communities can one day thrive.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us remember the children who never came home from residential schools and honour the survivors and their families. I encourage all residents to attend community events in recognition of residential school survivors, amplify Indigenous voices, and reflect on how each of us can advance reconciliation in our own communities.

I acknowledge the profound pain and trauma that many residents continue to carry. Your stories, your histories, and your futures matter. I hope you can find the space—whether in solitude or among loved ones and community — to commemorate this day in a way that fosters healing. Together, we will continue on this journey of reconciliation, recognizing that it is a shared path we must walk together."