Queen Elizabeth Sends Special Message To Canadian People

Queen Elizabeth, the 95-year-old Monarch sent a message to the Canadian people as they mark their first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The message was reportedly sent from Balmoral Castle.

Canada introduced the holiday as a means to commemorate the victims and survivors of indigenous residential schools. It was created through parliamentary legislation this spring and was codified in June – following the unearthing of hundreds of indigenous children’s remains found in unmarked graves at several sites.

Queen Elizabeth Joins Canadians In Reflecting About Their Deeply Painful Past

Between 1831 and 1998, there were 140 federally-run Indian Residential Schools in Canada. The government is estimated to have separated around 150,000 Indigenous children from their families, forcing them to attend a Christian boarding school in order to have them assimilate into Canadian society. Thousands of children died of diseases and other causes, and the Canadian government have admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant at these schools.

The holiday, which will now be held every September 30, was acknowledged by the Queen on Thursday. She wrote: “I join with all Canadians on this first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to reflect on the painful history that Indigenous peoples endured in residential schools in Canada, and on the work that remains to heal and to continue to build an inclusive society.”

Truth And Reconciliation Commission

Survivors have long advocated for the evil deeds done to the children to be acknowledged and reparations made, and as part of those efforts, Canada created a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement on Thursday, encouraging Canadians to reflect on the “painful and lasting impacts” of residential schools. He further described the holiday as “an opportunity for us all to learn more, and to affirm the need for reconciliation and commit ourselves to the work ahead.”

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