Search for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This date was chosen as a day to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools in Canada. It is an opportunity for Canadians to honour former residential school students, their families, and their communities.
NunatuKavut Inuit still grapple with the lasting and painful impacts of residential schools in Labrador and Newfoundland. These truths are a part of who we are and how we will live in the future.
We implore you to take the time to learn more about Indigenous peoples in this country and the great contributions we have made. And we invite you to learn more about the Inuit of NunatuKavut. You will find that our story is one of determination, belonging and strength, right here in our place, on our homeland. Keeping these stories and discussions alive is an important part of healing and reconciliation.
In this spirit of TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION, we invite you to take a few minutes to review the following questions and SEARCH for the correct responses (hint: you might find the answers on our Story Map page found on our website). Please provide your responses by email to wwilliams@nunatukavut.ca or direct message via NCC’s Facebook Messenger.
- How many boarding schools / residential schools were based in Labrador?
- When did the “Labrador Public School” open, and where?
- What years did the “Lockwood Boarding School” operate?
- How many children were brought to the “Lockwood Boarding School” annually while in operation?
- Who opened the “Muddy Bay Boarding School”?
- What is the term used to describe the Inuit tradition of moving seasonally, from winter homes in sheltered bays to summer fishing places on the ocean?
- As an integral part of life in NunatuKavut, what was used to help families shift to their seasonal homes and hunters and trappers provide for their families?
- Name three things NCC is doing to promote and ensure the preservation of Inuit culture in NunatuKavut?
Participants who participate and take a moment to learn about residential schools in Labrador will have their names entered into a draw for an appreciation gift. Responses are due by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022.
The above questions and subsequent conversations may be triggering for some. If you need support, please call the Hope for Wellness line at 1-844-413-6649. It is a national, toll-free support line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone in need of mental health crisis response or support can dial 811 and speak to a registered nurse.
For more resource information, please contact NCC’s Community Social Worker Kristy Dyson at kdyson@nunatukavut.ca or 709-896-0592.
To assist with the above questions or to learn more about the Residential School system and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please refer to the below web resources:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Government of Canada Site