This year, to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I have a simple message to all Indigenous peoples across Canada:

tānisi,

I am so proud of us! We are good, we are worthy, and we belong. We matter, and everything we do is important. We keep going. We will succeed.

kinanāskomitināwāw (I give thanks to you all) for being who you are, and for all the good work you do.

Zachary Biech

zacharybiech@sakastewstrategies.ca

(From National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website)

If you are a Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419

Emotional, cultural and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. Services can be accessed on an individual, family or group basis.