The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced support for 200 projects to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
Budget 2019 provided $7 million to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. In 2019-2020, the Government of Canada invested in six large-scale national projects to educate and raise awareness of this dark chapter in Canadian history. In 2020-2021, 200 organizations and communities will receive funding to organize commemorative events and activities that are suited to specific histories, needs and realities.
The government is also continuing its work towards the implementation of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Yesterday, the government introduced legislation to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Call to Action #80). Furthermore, our government is committed to implementing Call to Action #81, which calls for the installation of a Residential Schools National Monument in the City of Ottawa.
To coincide with Orange Shirt Day on September 30, a national virtual gathering is being hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for students across the country. The Government of Canada is proud to support this important event, providing Canadian youth with an opportunity to learn first-hand from residential school survivors, elders, knowledge keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country.
The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten.
