Advocates state case for Sept. 30 general holiday

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This article was published 14/08/2021 (1694 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Liberals and Indigenous leaders are pushing the province to officially designate Sept. 30 a statutory holiday to reflect on the harm caused by residential schools.

The provincial Liberal caucus said in a news release Friday that MLA Cindy Lamoureux has written to Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere to “make this happen.”

“Making this a statutory holiday will mean that Manitobans will be able to reflect on Canada’s troubled (past) and commit to reconciliation,” Lamoureux said in the release.

On June 3, federal legislation to recognize the day as a statutory holiday passed after receiving royal assent. Beginning this year, all federal government and federally regulated workplaces will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Manitoba must pass its own legislation to push forward the stat holiday, otherwise known as a general holiday, in the province.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak acting grand chief Shirley Ducharme said in an email Friday the organization wants the province to follow Ottawa on the matter.

“With the continued uncovering of unmarked graves at residential schools across the country, there could not be a better time for the province to step up and show their support for the survivors and families of children who were forced to attend residential schools,” said Ducharme.

Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand applauded the Liberals’ call.

“As Canada grapples with the reality of the harms of the residential and day school system, having a day for Manitobans to reflect on this tragedy will help ensure that nothing like this ever happens again in our country,” he wrote.

Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels also supports the addition of a Manitoba statutory holiday. “The timing for the creation of a day such as this, could not be more fitting.”

Freeing up time for Manitobans to focus on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation could provide an important opportunity for non-Indigenous people to show support for residential school, ’60s Scoop survivors and the Indigenous community at large, said Katherine Legrange, director for 60s Scoop Legacy of Canada.

“It would be really great if non-Indigenous people would organize events in honour of Indian residential school survivors and those who were affected by the ’60s Scoop and day schools and whatnot, because it really becomes our labour then if we’re organizing these things,” she said.

An open day would offer built-in time for people to educate themselves about residential schools, or perhaps to enrol in workshops offered by various organizations supporting survivors around the city, she added.

However, Legrange said she’s doubtful the province will act, based on its past dealings on Indigenous issues, but “it’s the bare minimum that the Pallister government could do.”

Wayne Mason seconded that sentiment. The executive director at Wa-Say Healing Centre, an organization that supports survivors of residential schools, also offered support for instituting a statutory holiday Sept. 30.

“I think all the provinces should recognize it because it’s a special day right across Canada,” he said. “Some people don’t understand the importance of the recognition… They talk about reconciliation — here’s an opportunity.”

There’s no one thing that can repair the damage done, but if society takes many little steps, perhaps the situation can improve, said Mason. Wa-Say will hold a public powwow at St. John’s Park on Sept. 30, whether or not it’s a provincial holiday.

A government spokesperson did not directly answer Friday whether there are plans to legislate the statutory holiday: “Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations is working with all departments to find meaningful options to commemorate the day.”

cody.sellar@freepress.mb.ca