Survivors Honoured at Graduation Ceremony on Truth and Reconciliation Day

On September 17, 2025, a significant milestone was reached as survivors of the Indian Residential School system were awarded high school graduation certificates in a heartfelt ceremony organized by the shíshálh Nation and School District 46. This event marked not only a celebration of educational achievement but also an important acknowledgment of the trauma and abuse many survivors faced within the residential school system. For these individuals, many of whom had previously experienced a lack of recognition, this graduation symbolizes a collective step towards healing and reconciliation.

The ceremony coincides with the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, which is observed across Canada. This day serves as a reminder of the impact of the residential school system and highlights the ongoing efforts required to address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. It is an occasion to honour the resilience and dignity of survivors, while also promoting anti-racism and anti-bullying initiatives.

In British Columbia, the integration of Indigenous perspectives into the education system has been evolving since the introduction of Orange Shirt Day in 2013. This year’s graduates, particularly those graduating in 2026, will be the first cohort to fully benefit from a curriculum that includes a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories. As Charlene Belleau, a prominent advocate and former Chief of the Esk’etemc First Nation, emphasizes, “We can’t get to a better future unless we know where we’ve come from.”

Despite the formal recognition established by the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement in 2006, there remains a segment of the population that chooses to deny the realities of this dark chapter in Canadian history. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada documented numerous accounts of abuse and trauma, which are supported by extensive research. The efforts of the commission continue to serve as a crucial foundation for understanding and moving forward.

Throughout British Columbia, the community has been engaged in various reconciliation activities. Events such as the annual Penelakut Tribe’s Spune’luxtth’ March for the Children, who went missing from Kuper Island Residential School, serve to honour the memory of those lost. Additionally, the Ktunaxa Nation’s transformation of a former residential school into an educational and economic hub exemplifies the community’s strength and ability to turn past grievances into future opportunities.

On September 30, communities across British Columbia will come together to remember not only the survivors but also the children who never returned home. Community members will raise their hands in solidarity, committing to support survivors and their families in their ongoing journeys towards healing.

Support services are available for those affected by the legacy of the residential school system. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour emotional and crisis referral services at 1 866 925-4419. The KUU-US Crisis Line Society also offers support specifically for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia at 1 800 588-8717. Furthermore, the Métis Nation British Columbia operates a crisis line available toll-free at 1 833 638-4722.

As the Honourable Spencer Chandra Herbert, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, noted in his address, “It is essential that we continue to engage in these acts of reconciliation and work together to build a brighter future for all.” His leadership reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of Indigenous communities and ensuring their voices are heard at all levels of governance.

The journey towards reconciliation is ongoing, and events like the graduation ceremony on September 17 are vital in fostering understanding and healing within communities. By acknowledging the past, society can pave the way for a future built on empathy, respect, and collaboration.