NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY – Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Ressources announced funding of $10,000 from the Government of Canada to support Wahnapitae First Nation to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Nickel Belt. He made this announcement on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge.

This funding was awarded under the framework of a call for proposals for projects that raise awareness of the history and impact of residential schools, promote healing and reconciliation, and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Wahnapitae First Nation’s commemorative programming consists of a day of activities for the community and the general public to learn about the effects of Residential Schools, to engage in cultural activities and teachings, and to honour children who did not return home. There will be a sacred fire and other ceremonies, dancing, presentations and story sharing, and a community feast. More details can be found in their newsletter here.

Public commemoration of the tragic history and impact of residential schools is essential to the healing and reconciliation process. Canada is committed to continuing its efforts to pursue truth and reconciliation, to right historical wrongs, and to support communities in their efforts to foster healing for the Survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities.

To learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca

Quotes

“September 30th marks an important day for learning and for healing. Thank you, to Indigenous, First Nation and Métis communities, across the country and right here at home, for graciously sharing your knowledge and for bravely telling your stories. We sit with you in your grief, and we recommit ourselves to our duty as allies in reconciliation. May each of us take the time to reflect and to take part in an activity related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a local First Nations community like Wahnapitae First Nation or a community group this weekend.” - Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Ressources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“For many of our people, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a painful reminder of the colonial legacy whose harms are not just in our past, but ripple through our present. Let this day serve as an opportunity for reflection, for education, and yes , for grieving. Let us move forward together in acknowledging our experiences and pursuing the true spirit of reconciliation.” - Chief Larry Roque, Wahnapitae First Nation 

Supporting information

• The residential school system is a topic that can be traumatic as we reflect on memories of past abuse. Messages around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can be an unwelcome reminder to those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that harmed Indigenous Peoples.
• A 24-hour support line at 1-866-925-4419 provides crisis referral services to Survivors and their families and explains how to obtain other health supports from the Government of Canada.
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

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Media Contact:
Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré
MP Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages
705-507-2416
[email protected]