‘Children were stolen’: Mayor

Therrien marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation held on Friday, Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien issued a statement acknowledging the horrific treatment of Indigenous children in Canada’s residential schools and how the Peterborough community can engage in the healing process.

“For over 100 years, children were stolen from their families, their communities, and their homes,” Therrien wrote.

“For over 100 years, children were forced to ‘assimilate’ — speaking Indigenous languages, holding Indigenous ceremonies and Indigenous traditional dances were all banned. Students were forced to speak English, to learn and act as the priests and nuns demanded.”

Failure to do so resulted in severe punishments, she wrote, which left lasting harms that reverberate to this day.

“The first residential schools

opened in the 1880s,” she stated. “The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.”

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, originated as a day for all Canadians to learn and reflect on these horrific acts, explained Therrien.

“Before we can have Reconciliation, we must have Truth,” she wrote.

The exploration of truth requires all of us to commit to education, according to Therrien, even if the discovery of truth is often difficult, emotional and uncomfortable.

“It is incumbent upon all of us to contribute to the truth, reconciliation, and healing process,” she wrote.

Therrien explained Indigenous people are still forced to deal with daily, structural and systemic racism.

“Indigenous people in Canada are subject to more severe legal sentencing than white people, leading to higher rates of incarceration. Indigenous women in Canada are more likely to experience violence,” Therrien wrote.

“Indigenous children make up less than 8 per cent of Canada’s population, but 52 per cent of children under the age of 14 in foster care are Indigenous.”

There are also many positives, according to Therrien with Indigenous people completing post-secondary education in increasing numbers and many going on to graduate studies, law school and medical school.

“The increased representation in these fields has a ripple affect among the younger generations, and it is leading the path for a strong and resilient future,” she wrote.

Therrien wants all Peterborough residents to participate in this ongoing healing process.

“Healing is happening. To help the healing process, nonIndigenous Canadians need to step up and speak out. Call out racism when you see or hear it,” Therrien wrote. “Support Indigenous people and communities, not just on Sept. 30, but year-round.”

City Hall was closed Friday to mark the day while commemorations were held throughout the day across the area, including at Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, the Peterborough County offices, Trent University and Fleming College.