Joint statement from Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation 

Stephanie Scott, Executive Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, delivered this joint statement today for the raising of the Survivors’ Flag on Parliament Hill:

“With this flag, residential school Survivors have created a powerful message for all Canadians. It is a call to remember and a call to action. It is setting a precedent for ensuring Survivors’ voices are heard. It’s our hope that everyone who sees the flag—everyone who works on Parliament Hill and everyone who comes to visit—will take the time to reflect on the meaning behind the flag and how they can continue to support the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation.

Today’s flag raising represents Canada’s continued commitment to reconciliation and to honouring the lives of those who did not return home from, the Survivors of, and those impacted by the residential school system. 

The Survivors’ Flag was first raised on Parliament Hill last September at a special ceremony marking the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Now, it will fly on Parliament Hill until 2024, when a decision is made about a permanent home for the flag.

Today is a day of significance―one where the Government of Canada acknowledges its role in the past, its impact on the present, and its commitment to making a real difference across the country for all future generations. Our Government continues to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities who are undertaking the difficult and important work of searching for and commemorating the children who never came home.

Our relationship with Indigenous Peoples can only be strengthened by pursuing the truth and combatting prejudice, as painful as it is.”

Quick Facts 

• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), hosted by the University of Manitoba, was created to preserve the memory of Canada’s residential school system and legacy, not just for a few years, but forever. It is the responsibility of the NCTR to steward and share the truths of Survivors’ experiences in a respectful way and to work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, researchers, communities, decision-makers and the general public to support the ongoing work of truth, reconciliation and healing across Canada and beyond.

• The commemorative flag was created by Survivors to honour all Survivors, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada and to share their expression of remembrance with the broader public. The flag was developed through consultation and collaboration with Inuit, Mi’kmaq, Atikamekw, Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, Mohawk, Dene, Nuu-chah-nulth, Secwepemc, and Métis Survivors. Learn about the meaning behind the flag’s design: https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/ 

Contacts

NCTR: media@emdashagency.ca