Honouring History and Building a Better Future

Each year, on September 30th, Canadians come together to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day dedicated to reflecting on the painful legacy of residential schools, honouring survivors, and acknowledging the children who never made it home. As members of the Central Alberta Regional Museums Network (CARMN), we recognize the critical role museums play in preserving history, fostering understanding, and contributing to healing by sharing the stories and truths of Indigenous peoples.
 

Understanding the Legacy

The establishment of this day stems from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which documented the profound harms inflicted on Indigenous communities through Canada’s residential school system. Between the 1870s and 1990s, over 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forcibly removed from their families and sent to schools designed to erase their cultural identities. The trauma caused by these schools continues to reverberate across generations, affecting Indigenous peoples' mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

In 2015, the TRC released its final report, including 94 Calls to Action, one of which specifically calls for the creation of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. By establishing this national day, Canadians are reminded of their shared responsibility to confront historical injustices and contribute to healing.
 

Why This Day Matters

For many, September 30th may evoke feelings of discomfort, sadness, and reflection—but it is precisely these emotions that foster deeper understanding and empathy. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation invites all Canadians to learn about the devastating impacts of residential schools, as well as the ongoing effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities today.

Importantly, this day is not just about looking back at history; it is about moving forward with a commitment to reconciliation. Reconciliation, as envisioned by the TRC, requires acknowledging the truth of past injustices, fostering respectful relationships, and ensuring that Indigenous rights and cultures are honored in every facet of society.
 

The Role of Museums in Reconciliation

Museums play a unique role in shaping our understanding of history and identity. As stewards of knowledge and culture, museums are responsible for providing spaces where the stories of marginalized communities, like those impacted by residential schools, can be told authentically and respectfully.

The Central Alberta Regional Museums Network recognizes this responsibility. Our museums, through exhibits, programming, and community engagement, strive to share the stories of Indigenous peoples in ways that honor their lived experiences. Collaborating with Indigenous communities is essential in ensuring that exhibits are inclusive, accurate, and respectful of cultural sensitivities. As part of this effort, many CARMN museums are committed to reviewing their collections, programming, and exhibits to ensure they reflect the full history of Indigenous peoples in Central Alberta and beyond.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation presents a significant opportunity for museums to deepen these relationships. By creating spaces for reflection, education, and dialogue, museums can serve as catalysts for change, offering visitors a chance to engage with Indigenous history and understand the path forward toward reconciliation.
 

How We Can Participate

There are several ways that we, as individuals and as a network of museums, can participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

1. Wear Orange: Orange shirts have become a symbol of commemoration for residential school survivors and those who didn’t survive. The Orange Shirt Day movement was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, whose own orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. Wearing orange on September 30th shows solidarity with survivors and honors their experiences.

2. Educate Ourselves and Others: Reconciliation begins with education. CARMN museums can play a pivotal role by hosting exhibits, lectures, or community discussions that raise awareness about the history of residential schools and Indigenous cultures.

3. Support Indigenous Voices: Amplify Indigenous voices by sharing their stories, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and listening to the experiences and perspectives of survivors. Partnering with local Indigenous communities to co-create exhibits, events, or educational programs ensures their voices are at the forefront.

4. Reflect and Acknowledge: Take time on September 30th to personally reflect on the history of residential schools, colonialism, and systemic injustices in Canada. Acknowledge how these histories continue to affect Indigenous peoples today and consider ways to actively support reconciliation efforts in your own life.
 

Looking Forward Together

Reconciliation is not an easy journey, but it is a necessary one. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a reminder that the work of healing is ongoing. For museums, this day is an invitation to embrace our responsibility as educators and cultural institutions. Together, we can create spaces that not only preserve the past but also inspire hope for a future built on mutual respect and understanding.

As the Central Alberta Regional Museums Network, we are committed to advancing the spirit of reconciliation, fostering dialogue, and ensuring that the stories we share are grounded in truth. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a more just and inclusive society, where Indigenous cultures and histories are valued and respected by all.

Let us honor this day, not only in remembrance but in action, as we work together toward a brighter, more equitable future for all Canadians.