Prime-time broadcast for the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation announces new prime-time broadcast special to mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Produced by NCTR in collaboration with Insight Productions,
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” will broadcast nationally September 30 on APTN and CBC/Radio-Canada
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) today announced its collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to produce a new broadcast special, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in partnership with APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada, Insight Productions and Canadian Heritage. In recognition of the new federal statutory holiday, also known as Orange Shirt Day, this unique one-hour, commercial-free primetime special honours the stories and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will broadcast and stream live Thursday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80 not only called for the establishment of a statutory holiday, but it is also an invitation to Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians to continue to reflect on the legacy and true history of residential schools. This day is set aside to honour all the children who survived residential schools as well as those that did not return. We invite everyone across the country to mark September 30 — Orange Shirt Day — by wearing orange and ‘lighting up’ our communities orange.” —Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, NCTR.
NCTR is consulting with Survivors, Chiefs and Elders from several Indigenous communities to
discuss the stories and perspectives that will be shared in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As Canada works toward reconciliation and commemorates the children who did not return home, audiences across the country will hear from residential school Survivors, Knowledge Keepers, storytellers and musical artists from Indigenous communities with a focus on Sipekne’katik in Nova Scotia, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops, Mani-Utenam in Quebec, Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, and Carcross, Yukon. The special will broadcast in French, English and includes multiple Indigenous languages.
In addition, NCTR is asking First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples to celebrate their languages, culture, and connection to the land, to be potentially included as part of the September 30th broadcast or highlighted on the NCTR website. Interested families can submit their short ‘Welcome’ video clip on the NCTR website by September 20.
“It’s been a painful year for Indigenous Peoples. In light of the recoveries of the unmarked graves, and in the pursuit of truth and reconciliation, we must take pause to honour the victims, the survivors, their families and communities. Education is key to reconciliation, and we will continue to be supportive of Indigenous initiatives that encourage truth and reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that continue to be affected.” —Monika Ille, CEO, APTN
“CBC/Radio-Canada is honoured to be broadcasting this prime-time special on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This new program will help all of us reflect on the past, and hear the voices and stories that are central to the process of reconciliation.” —Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada
“We’re incredibly honoured to collaborate with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous communities across the country as we honour this day and all come together to remember and reflect on our past and work toward Reconciliation through partnership and education.” —Lindsay Cox, SVP, Insight Productions
CBC/Radio-Canada to announce additional special programming to mark the first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the coming weeks.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is conceived and created by The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and produced by NCTR in collaboration with Insight Productions, in association with CBC/Radio-Canada and APTN, with the support of Canadian Heritage. The primetime special is executive produced by Stephanie Scott for NCTR, with John Brunton and Lindsay Cox for Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company).
About the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
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. The NCTR is the permanent home for all Survivor statements, documents, and other materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and beyond.
About APTN
APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world, creating a window into the remarkably diverse mosaic of Indigenous Peoples. A respected non-profit and charitable broadcaster, it’s the only one of its kind in North America. The network is Sharing Our Stories of authenticity in English, French and a variety of Indigenous languages to approximately 11 million Canadian subscribers. With over 80% Canadian content, APTN connects with its audiences through genuine, inspiring and engaging entertainment on multiple platforms.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About Insight Productions
Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company) is known for its award-winning ratings juggernauts and is Canada’s most established content producer and an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of hit programming. Insight Senior Vice President Lindsay Cox serves as Executive Producer – alongside Insight’s Chairman, CEO, and Executive Producer John Brunton, onNational Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In collaboration with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Cox and Brunton were among the executive producers on last year’sEvery Child Matters: Reconciliation Through Education. The company has created some of the most dynamic and top-rated programs including Canada’s New Year’s Eve: Countdown, The Amazing Race Canada (the most watched Canadian show on record), ratings hits Big Brother Canada and The JUNO Awards, and original formats including Battle Of The Blades. Insight produced The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, a live concert special on CBC watched by one in three Canadians. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of ground-breaking content. For more information on Insight Productions, please visit www.insighttv.com or on Twitter @insightprod or Facebook www.facebook.com/InsightProductions.
Media Contacts:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Elio Peterson
APTN
Jacqueline Jubinville
Director of Communications
jjubinville@aptn.ca
(204) 990-3562
CBC
Teaghan Hawke
647-527-4596
Insight Productions
Gabrielle Free | Free Publicity (For Insight Productions, Inc.)
416-220-0201
Radio-Canada
Marc Pichette
514 712-4342