TORONTO (Reuters) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern about the increase in “denialism” and emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth during a national day of remembrance for the indigenous children who were affected by residential schools.
Trudeau’s remarks were made on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging the historical impact of residential schools that were in operation from 1831 to 1996. These schools forcibly took around 150,000 indigenous children away from their families, with many of them suffering from abuse, rape, and malnutrition. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission branded this as “cultural genocide” in 2015.
In a statement, Trudeau stated, “We must always remember the past and the injustices committed against Indigenous Peoples at residential schools, as well as the ongoing intergenerational trauma. In the face of rising denialism, it is more crucial than ever to reveal the complete truth.”
The indigenous population in Canada faces higher levels of poverty, violence, and shorter life expectancies.
In 2021, Trudeau faced criticism for vacationing on the west coast with his family shortly after the government declared the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a federal holiday.
Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Toronto; Editing by Leslie Adler
Credit: The Star : News Feed
