WINNIPEG and TORONTO — The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) announced today a new broadcast special, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, produced in collaboration with Insight Productions, will air on APTN and CBC/Radio-Canada on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET.
“In recognition of the new federal statutory holiday, also known as Orange Shirt Day, this unique one-hour, commercial-free primetime special honours the stories and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land,” reads a press release.
The special will broadcast and stream live on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, ICI Télé and ICI TOU.TV, in English and French, and will include multiple Indigenous languages, the release says.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80 not only called for the establishment of a statutory holiday, but it is also an invitation to Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians to continue to reflect on the legacy and true history of residential schools,” says Stephanie Scott, executive director of NCTR, in the press release.
“This day is set aside to honour all the children who survived residential schools as well as those that did not return. We invite everyone across the country to mark September 30 — Orange Shirt Day — by wearing orange and ‘lighting up’ our communities orange,” Scott says.
NCTR is consulting with survivors, chiefs and elders from several Indigenous communities to discuss the stories and perspectives that will be shared in the broadcast special.
Audiences will hear from residential school survivors, knowledge keepers, storytellers and musical artists from Indigenous communities “with a focus on Sipekne’katik in Nova Scotia, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops, Mani-Utenam in Quebec, Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, and Carcross, Yukon,” the release says.
“In addition, NCTR is asking First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples to celebrate their languages, culture, and connection to the land, to be potentially included as part of the September 30th broadcast or highlighted on the NCTR website,” the release adds.
Interested Indigenous families are asked to submit a short “welcome” video clip on the NCTR website by Sept. 20.
“It’s been a painful year for Indigenous Peoples. In light of the recoveries of the unmarked graves, and in the pursuit of truth and reconciliation, we must take pause to honour the victims, the survivors, their families and communities,” says Monika Ille, CEO of APTN.
“Education is key to reconciliation, and we will continue to be supportive of Indigenous initiatives that encourage truth and reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that continue to be affected,” Ille says.
“CBC/Radio-Canada is honoured to be broadcasting this prime-time special on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” says Catherine Tait, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada.
“This new program will help all of us reflect on the past, and hear the voices and stories that are central to the process of reconciliation.”
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