On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the profound harm created by the residential school system—institutions designed to eradicate Indigenous cultures, languages, and identities. The last residential school closed just 27 years ago, in 1996. These government sponsored boarding schools caused the loss of countless lives and inflicted profound trauma on Indigenous communities—a legacy of pain and suffering that resonates to this day.
Today, we honour the resilience of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing efforts to reclaim and revitalize their cultures, languages, and lands. It is a day to pause, listen, learn, and commit to actions rooted in justice and healing.
For those committed to climate action, this day is also a powerful reminder that reconciliation and climate action are inherently connected. Colonialism, which sought to exploit the land for its resources, is a driving force behind the environmental crises we face today. Indigenous peoples have long been stewards of the land, safeguarding ecosystems with knowledge passed down through generations. Their leadership is indispensable to addressing the climate crisis. Therefore, any meaningful effort to address the climate crisis must also honour Indigenous sovereignty and support their rights to land, resources, and self-determination.
We cannot achieve true climate justice without recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice. Reconciliation means more than acknowledging past harms; it requires building relationships of respect, learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, and co-creating sustainable futures that are just, inclusive, and grounded in the lived experiences of those most affected by colonialism and environmental degradation.
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