Proposed new statutory holiday: National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Proposed new statutory holiday: National Truth and Reconciliation Day
A new statutory holiday is proposed by the government to commemorate the legacy of residential schools fulfilling a recommendation made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
If the bill is passed, the National Truth and Reconciliation Day will be on September 30. At this point it's unclear if this is going to be national statutory holiday or up to provinces and territories to adopt it and if it will apply only to federal employees or everyone. It is also not known what year will the first observation take place.
Indigenous communities oppose to using September 30 for this new proposed holiday because September 30 is when Orange Shirt Day is currently observed and the indigenous leaders feel that combining a day of celebration with a day of reconciliation is "inappropriate and disrespectful".
June 21 was considered as the alternate day for this new holiday, which is currently the National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is only ten days away from Canada Day and would make the two stat holidays too close together.
What do you think? Is it a good or bad idea to create this new statutory holiday? Is this the best way to keep alive the legacy of residential schools? Share your comments below.
It's already hard to keep track of which holiday is celebrated in what region. The National Truth and Reconciliation Day may not be adopted by every province and territory, which will add confusion to the already convoluted holiday system. Also, what rules will apply when September 30 falls on a weekend is yet to be seen.
Share your holiday story, idea or comments
What do you think about the new proposed holiday to remember residential schools?
Recent comments
Posted by Fran:
I agree very much with violets comments, except do not just give them the land. Other wise fine. The Japanese lost a lot of land. We do not hear them complaining.(not that that was the right thing for Canada to do}. No They have real Pride. They have worked very hard to get where they are with no thanks to the Canadian Govt, or most Canadians.Natives could take note, and try a little work, and stop the demands. So many natives treat white people like crap, it is hard to be pleasant in return. the Japanese lost there land when they were sent off to camps
Posted by David Duchene:
It is very important to remember what transpired against the Native peoples of Canada. Also, to celebrate indigenous peoples ..as to what day that will be and whether those two precepts are incompatible - I'll leave that to those above my pay grade. PICK ONE!
Posted by Cynthia:
I do think this day needs to be remembered but if this was to be a holiday I feel Remembrance day should be made one. The orange day needs to be discussed more in school. My kids are in grade 5 and still don't know what it is about.
Posted by Kathy:
Historically, a statutory holiday is a day of celebration. I would much rather see a holiday to celebrate the indiginous / aboriginal HERITAGE, not the horrors of historical residential schools.
Posted by Michael:
If this is to become a national holiday, then are we to CELEBRATE the facts linked to the residential school system? We will rest on that day and be thankful to the events that created the holiday... In my humble opinion, remember it, yes; a stat holiday, no.
Comments
Post a Comment