Nearly a thousand people marched through the streets of the metropolis on Friday, as part of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
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“A lot of people aren’t aware of what we’ve been through for generations. But that’s starting to change and that’s what’s important on this day,” said Steve McComber of the Mohawk Nation, who hopes the march can help change perceptions.
Across the country, various demonstrations and events took place on Friday, in tribute to indigenous peoples. Last year, the Government of Canada declared the day a statutory holiday.
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Grand Chief of Kahnawake, hopes that the day can help educate and share what happened, especially with the residential schools.
“It breaks your heart to know that we had to go through this because of who we were. We are here to recognize the traumas and to support each other,” she said.
She also recalled that until today, indigenous communities are often poor, and have to live with the intergenerational traumas of these “atrocities”.
Although the Day is a public holiday in Canada, it is not recognized by the Government of Quebec.
“Perhaps one day eventually Quebec will be ready to make it a holiday, from the moment it recognizes systemic racism,” hoped Lucie Catherine Ouimet of the Anishnaabe nation.
The march began at the foot of Mount Royal, ending at Place du Canada, where, until it was unbolted, stood the statue of John A. Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada criticized for the policy he carried out against the Aboriginal peoples.
A few political figures also took part, including Chantal Rouleau, minister responsible for the Montreal region.
“Reconciliation is necessary. We are all very touched by what happened and we want to show all our solidarity, ”she explained. However, she indicated that the idea of making the day a public holiday “is not currently being discussed”.
Alia Hassan-Cournol, who is in charge of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples at the City of Montreal, was present with some elected officials from Projet Montréal. Elected officials from the opposition party Ensemble Montréal were also on site, including leader Aref Salem.
“It’s important to listen to what survivors and First Nations people have to tell us. Reconciliation is everyday. It puts things back in place, ”explained Ms. Hassan-Cournol.
She also indicated that for “the first time in history”, the survivors’ flag flies at Montreal City Hall. “It’s symbolic, but it’s important. Today is a day of meditation, but it is also a time to look to the future,” she added.
In addition to the members of the Aboriginal communities, several people were on the march to express their support.
“It is the founding people. We owe them everything. I find it very important to remember the suffering they had,” said Robert, for example.
“We are here to listen to them. We have to ask ourselves what we can do in our daily lives and get involved,” revealed Indira.