Statement from Premier Pemberton on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 30, 2025

Premier Mike Pemberton has issued the following statement:

“Tomorrow is designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On September 30, we honour the Survivors of residential schools and grieve the children who never returned home.

“The residential school system caused widespread and lasting trauma for Indigenous Peoples, families and communities across Canada. No one in the Yukon is untouched by the legacy of residential schools. I invite all Yukoners to stand in solidarity with Survivors, families and communities who continue to be deeply impacted by what happened at residential schools.

“Earlier this year, the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut jointly announced support for the creation of a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. It will serve as a national and international gathering place for learning, reflection and healing as well as a space where Survivors can share their stories, where families and communities can reconnect with lost histories and where all Canadians can embark on their own journeys of reconciliation.

“In the Yukon, the Yukon Residential School Missing Children Project continues to investigate former residential school sites across the territory to learn the truth about children who went missing. The Yukon government continues to support the Yukon Residential School Missing Children Project in their efforts to bring to light and record the history and impacts of the Yukon’s residential schools.

“Our work with Yukon First Nations is ongoing as we implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy.

“Recognizing the ugly and uncomfortable truths about residential schools is part of our collective journey towards reconciliation. For those who are struggling, there are many supports available within the territory including Rapid Access Counselling. I encourage Yukoners to check in on each other, take time to learn, reflect and connect with community.”

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

NT5