Survivors’ Flag Raising Ceremony

October 1, 2025

Check against delivery

Hello, bonjour, [Inuktitut greeting].

We gather today on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.

Today, as we raise this flag, we remember the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and never came home.

We also pay tribute to the resilience of those who survived, and who continue to uphold their cultures and traditions despite the deep injustices of the past.

A decade ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission opened the door for survivors’ voices to be heard.

Now, more Canadians know the truth about our history.

The stories of Survivors are an immense gift.

They are an open hand extended to all Canadians, inviting us to rebuild bridges between communities.

I want to thank those who have accepted that hand and are helping move reconciliation forward.

Those who include Indigenous voices and traditions in commemorations and events.

Those who wear the orange shirt in solidarity.

Educators who embrace Indigenous perspectives in teaching history, and support language revitalization in schools.

Businesses and organizations opening doors to Indigenous talent.

Artists and broadcasters who amplify Indigenous cultures in Canadian public life.

Canadians who nominate Indigenous peoples for national honours, like the Order of Canada.

People who take the time to know their Indigenous neighbours and build relationships between cultures.

Mental health professionals helping to heal intergenerational trauma.

Thanks to all of you, we are making progress.

Ten years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report, we may not be where we need to be—but Survivors have opened hearts and minds.

Let’s keep going. We have all the tools we need to advance reconciliation.

We all benefit from building a future where every young person, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, has equal access to opportunities and resources.

That’s how we create a stronger society that is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Merci. Thank you. Miigwech. Nakurmik.

NT5