Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement: 

“Tomorrow is the second year that we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

“This is a day to mourn all that was lost as a result of Canada’s residential school system – the lives of children, adults, Indigenous languages and culture. 

“It is also a day to hold space for the Survivors, their families and communities. On this day we honour the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities across Canada in the face of seemingly insurmountable pain and trauma. 

“Our government remains committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. 

“It was made clear to us by the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that there can be no reconciliation without truth. 

“I encourage all Yukoners to take time to learn more about Canada’s history of racism, genocide and residential schools. The harms of Canada’s colonial past run deep into the fabric of our country and have a lasting negative impact on our communities, coworkers and friends. 

“Here in the Yukon there were six residential schools that operated between 1903 and 1985: Chooutla School in Carcross; Coudert Hall, Yukon Hall and Whitehorse Baptist Mission in Whitehorse; the Shingle Point School in Shingle Point on the Yukon’s Arctic coast (the predecessor to All Saints (Aklavik Anglican) School in Aklavik); and St. Paul’s Hostel in Dawson. Additionally, the Lower Post School in northern B.C. housed Yukon First Nations students.

“The Government of Yukon continues to support the Yukon First Nation Governments’ Burial Sites Investigations Committee in their efforts to bring to light and record the history and impacts of Yukon’s residential schools.  

“We will continue to work collaboratively with Yukon First Nations to pave the way for a better future. 

“I encourage Yukoners to take time on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for learning, healing, community and to acknowledge the grief felt by many. We are on this journey together and we all have an important role to play in reconciliation.”