People mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events across Quebec
CBC
On the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, people gathered in communities across the province to commemorate and recognize Canada's legacy of residential schools.
Quebec's minister responsible for Indigenous affairs, Ian Lafrenière, attended an event organized by the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam at the site of the former residential school of Mani-utenam, Que., near Sept-Îles.
Dozens of people wearing orange shirts were in attendance, as the day unfolded with speeches and prayers from members of the community.
Addressing the crowd, Lafrenière said Quebecers must take the time to learn about what happened in residential schools and to get informed about the impact on Indigenous people to this day.
"We can't forget Joyce Echaquan who died in horrible circumstances," he said Thursday morning. "We can't forget the survivors, the victims of the residential schools."
"This week we have a duty to remember."
Reconciliation is not just a political issue and has to happen at all levels, said Mike McKenzie, chief of the Innu nation of Uashat mak Mani-utenam.
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