Hundreds mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in St. John's

About 200 people gathered at Colonial Building on Monday afternoon for speeches, drumming and a smudging ceremony to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in St. John's.

Stacey Howse, president and CEO of First Light — a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for the region's urban Indigenous community — said the national holiday is important to recognize Canada's history, its impacts on Indigenous people and the challenges they still face.

"I think it has brought a lot of awareness to the general public, and especially to individuals that are in positions of power within our government," Howse told CBC News. "The city of St. John's has made a lot of progress and has been really trying to work toward reconciliation."

Howse said events are also for non-Indigenous people to learn, advocate for change and be an ally in truth and reconciliation.

Monday's ceremony was opened and closed by Emma Reelis, an Indigenous elder and residential school survivor. She shared a message of strength and unity as reconciliation efforts continue.

"I never thought that I would be up here standing in front of a microphone as a residential school survivor, because I was told that I would end up to be nothing and a nobody," she said.

"We have to be strong to fight for your rights, if you're to believe in your rights. As an Indigenous person, residential school survivor, we never had no rights."

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has been marked in Canada since 2021.

Two of Newfoundland and Labrador's major cities, St. John's and Mount Pearl, have signed declarations to strengthen support of the rights of Indigenous people, strengthen relationships and bolster inclusivity. St. John's signed its declaration in 2020, and Mount Pearl signed a declaration earlier this month.

St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said the city holds a "profound responsibility" to recognize the injustices Indigenous peoples have faced, while focusing on systemic change that can lead to advancing reconciliation.

"We come together not only as representatives of the city, but as individuals deeply committed to acknowledging the painful history faced by Indigenous peoples in our country," he said. "It's a promise to actively participate, listen, learn, and most importantly to act."

Part of that action comes with implementing 42 calls for change outlined in a report by Indigenous advocacy coalition First Voice, which includes a special focus on supporting the urban Indigenous population.

"My experience growing up in Conne River, Miawpukek First Nation on the reserve, is quite different than my experience when I moved away [and] attended university, just navigating the different challenges that exist here in the city," Howse said.

"I think it's a perspective that needs to be included in these conversations."