Every Child Matters National Truth and Reconciliation Day Montreal March
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Truth and Reconciliation Day not recognized as statutory holiday in Quebec

by Lorraine Carpenter

Montreal activists invite the public to join their Every Child Matters march on Thursday afternoon regardless.

Montreal activists and advocates for Indigenous rights and reparations invite the public to march under the banner “Every Child Matters” this Thursday, Sept. 30. The event is timed with Canada’s first ever National Truth and Reconciliation Day, which event organizers suggest should be approached as a “day of action” despite the fact that Quebec has chosen not to recognize it as a statutory holiday, as it is in some other Canadian provinces.

“So many have had very strong feelings in response to the ever increasing number of mass graves uncovered near former residential school sites and there is a desire to channel these feelings in productive ways. Reflection is not enough — participating, listening and supporting Indigenous people, who are still reeling from the multi-generational trauma of residential school, is a proactive stance to commemorate this day.

“The youth are our future and we encourage schools to join us in a safe, supportive walk where all will have the opportunity to hear from Indigenous children and other strong Indigenous voices.”

The event, organized by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, begins at 12:30 p.m. at Place du Canada. Organizers suggest that adults who are able to do so take a sick day and bring their family to mark the historic occasion. Participants are encouraged to bring drums, and to wear orange — Sept. 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, which honours all children who were sent to residential schools.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day is not being recognized as a statutory holiday in Quebec

For more about the Montreal march, please visit the Every Child Matters event page. For more on National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, please visit the federal government website.

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by Lorraine Carpenter

Editor in chief
Lorraine Carpenter was born in Montreal and studied communications and journalism at Concordia. She co-founded Cult MTL in 2012 following 12 years at the now-defunct Montreal alt weekly the Mirror, where she worked in editorial as copy editor and music editor. She’s dedicated to supporting the cultural scene in Montreal.