National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada
September 30, 2021, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This day honors the many First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities’ children who went missing or died while attending residential schools. These communities never forgot their children and lobbied hard to have the Canadian government acknowledge the horrific conditions these children experienced. The legacy of this historical trauma persists to this day. The SAA mourns the loss of these children and will keep these communities in our thoughts as they navigate the many emotions that come when the truth is openly told. We stand ready to listen and to learn.
The SAA wants to thank the many archaeologists who answered each of these communities’ request for help. This work is not easy and their commitment to listening, community building, and ethical behavior stands as an example of how archaeology can be a tool for healing.
Finally, the SAA calls on our members to help when communities request our assistance in the process of telling their truth. This problem is not just in Canada, but in the United States and other nations as well. We must be ready to support these communities when they ask for technical assistance. We honor First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities for their determination to bring the truth to light. Their persistence shows us that there is no timetable for justice and healing.
