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01:11:50

CPAC Documentaries

Returning Home (English DV version)

Note: This version includes English-language described video. Canada’s Residential Schools are the legacy of a world where relationships are severed in the service of power and where people become detached from one another and the complex webs of interdependence. Among the Secwépemc in British Columbia, one such story is that of Phyllis Jack-Webstad, a residential school survivor whose experiences inspired the Orange Shirt Day movement. RETURNING HOME follows Phyllis Jack-Webstad on a nationwide educational tour, while her family struggles to heal multigenerational wounds at home in Secwépemc territory. Amid a global pandemic and the lowest salmon run in Canadian history, the film also explores the absence of salmon along the upper Fraser River, and how a multi-year fishing moratorium is tearing at the fabric of Secwépemc communities. By bearing witness to the trauma experienced by Phyllis and her family, RETURNING HOME holds a mirror to the trauma experienced by the natural world, too. For the Secwépemc, healing people and healing the natural world are one and the same.
01:11:49

CPAC Documentaries

Returning Home

Canada’s Residential Schools are the legacy of a world where relationships are severed in the service of power and where people become detached from one another and the complex webs of interdependence. Among the Secwépemc in British Columbia, one such story is that of Phyllis Jack-Webstad, a residential school survivor whose experiences inspired the Orange Shirt Day movement. RETURNING HOME follows Phyllis Jack-Webstad on a nationwide educational tour, while her family struggles to heal multigenerational wounds at home in Secwépemc territory. Amid a global pandemic and the lowest salmon run in Canadian history, the film also explores the absence of salmon along the upper Fraser River, and how a multi-year fishing moratorium is tearing at the fabric of Secwépemc communities. By bearing witness to the trauma experienced by Phyllis and her family, RETURNING HOME holds a mirror to the trauma experienced by the natural world, too. For the Secwépemc, healing people and healing the natural world are one and the same.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: 2024

"Remembering the Children" is a special broadcast that honours residential school survivors, their families, their communities, and all the children who never made it home. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and APTN co-host, in partnership with the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, this national commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in recognition of the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Governor General Mary Simon and Indigenous leaders ar
01:30:00

CPAC Special

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

"Remembering the Children" is a special broadcast that honours residential school survivors, their families, their communities, and all the children who never made it home. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and APTN co-host, in partnership with the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, this national commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in recognition of the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Governor General Mary Simon and Indigenous leaders are among those taking part in the special event. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is commemorated each year on September 30.
01:46:00

CPAC Special

Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023

"Remembering the Children" is a special broadcast that honours residential school survivors, their families, their communities, and all the children who never made it home. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and APTN co-host, in partnership with the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, this national commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in recognition of the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Governor General Mary Simon and Indigenous leaders are among those taking part in the special event. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is commemorated each year on September 30.
01:18:04

CPAC Special

Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and APTN co-host a national commemorative gathering at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa in recognition of the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. "Remembering the Children" is a special broadcast that honours residential school survivors, their families, their communities, and all the children who never made it home. Governor General Mary Simon is among those taking part in the special event. (September 30, 2022)
01:02:03

CPAC Special

Governor General Mary Simon Hosts Youth Gathering at Rideau Hall

Governor General Mary Simon delivers remarks as she hosts a gathering for school children at Rideau Hall in Ottawa to mark the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (September 30, 2022)
02:03:33

CPAC Special

Nat'l Day for Truth and Reconciliation: PM Trudeau Attends Niagara Falls Event

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is among the participants in the "Beyond the Orange Shirt Story" event in Niagara Falls, Ont., marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (September 30, 2022) (no interpretation)
01:11:23

CPAC Special

Government Marks First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The federal government holds an evening ceremony on Parliament Hill on the eve of Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The new federal statutory holiday on September 30 honours the Indigenous children who died while attending residential schools, survivors, families, and communities affected by the legacy of Canada's residential school system. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is among those taking part in the event in Ottawa. He is joined by Savanna McGregor, acting Grand Chief of the Algonquin Anishnabeg Nation, Elder Claudette Commanda, and residential school survivors Celine Thusky, Elder Levinia Brown and Jimmy Durocher. The establishment of a statutory holiday was one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action for the government. (September 29, 2021)
02:06:05

Headline Politics

First Nation Releases Report on Unmarked Graves Discovered in Kamloops

The Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation releases the findings of a report about the discovery of unmarked graves at the former site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. The First Nation announced in May that the presence of buried remains of over 200 children had been confirmed with the use of ground-penetrating radar. Speaking at the event in Kamloops is Rosanne Casimir (chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc), Sarah Beaulieu (a ground-penetrating radar specialist with the University of the Fraser Valley who led survey teams at the school site), Lisa Hodgetts (president of the Canadian Archaeological Association), Kisha Supernant (director of the Institute of Prairie and Indigenous Archaeology), RoseAnne Archibald (national chief of the Assembly of First Nations), and Kamloops Indian Residential School survivors Evelyn Camille, Leona Thomas and Mona Jules. Beaulieu has revised the reported number of 215 unmarked graves found to 200, but she says the number may go up once the ground survey is complete. (July 15, 2021)
00:53:15

Public Record

Senator Murray Sinclair Delivers 2019 Symons Lecture

Independent Senator Murray Sinclair receives the 19th Symons Medal in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for exceptional contribution to Canadian life. Following the medal presentation, the former chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission delivers the Symons Medal lecture, which he is calling Confederation: We Could Have Done Better. (November 1, 2019)
00:37:09

Headline Politics

AFN Special Chiefs Assembly – Gord Downie

On December 6, 2016, at the Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec, the Assembly of First Nations honours Tragically Hip singer and songwriter Gord Downie for his work highlighting the effects of the residential schools system.
02:41:29

CPAC Special

Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – December 15, 2015

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission releases its final report on the legacy of Indian Residential Schools in Canada. Justice Murray Sinclair (commission chair) and commissioners Chief Wilton Littlechild and Marie Wilson close their six-year mandate with their final submission on residential schools. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives a speech committing the government to renew its relationship with Canada’s Indigenous peoples. (December 15, 2015)
01:28:00

CPAC Special

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Closing Ceremony – June 3, 2015

A closing ceremony is held at Rideau Hall to formally mark the completion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was tasked with examining the legacy of the residential school system in Canada. (June 3, 2015)
02:49:30

Public Record

Truth and Reconciliation Commission – Halifax (Part 2 of 2)

On October 26-29, 2011, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada held its Atlantic National Event in Halifax. Residential school survivors had the opportunity to share their experiences and provide a public forum for Canadians to learn about the schools' history and legacy. On October 29th, residential school survivors and relatives shared their experiences with the commissioners.
00:59:50

Public Record

Truth and Reconciliation Commission – Halifax (Part 1 of 2)

Expressions of Reconciliation On October 26-29, 2011, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada held its Atlantic National Event in Halifax. Residential school survivors had the opportunity to share their experiences and provide a public forum for Canadians to learn about the schools' history and legacy. On October 29th, expressions of reconciliation were offered by Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan, deputy RCMP commissioner Steve Graham and others.
01:24:35

Public Record

Launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – June 16, 2010

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Aboriginal elders, survivors of the residential school system, and members of the public gather at the first national event held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The commission’s mandate is to conduct research, gather statements, support public education efforts, and commemorate the survivors of Canada’s residential school system. Remarks are made by Murray Sinclair (the commission president), hereditary chief Robert Joseph (Kwagiulth Nation of the Northeast Coast of Vancouver Island), Chuck Strahl (Indian Affairs Minister), Shawn Atleo (National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations), Mary Simon (president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), and commissioners Wilton Littlechild and Marie Wilson. Speeches are also presented by representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the United Church of Canada.
02:29:55

CPAC Special

Statement of Apology to Former Students of Indian Residential Schools

In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivers the government’s official apology for abuses suffered by former students of the Canadian residential school system. Following Mr. Harper’s apology, federal party leaders present statements of apology, including Stéphane Dion (Liberal), Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Québécois), and Jack Layton (New Democratic Party). Afterwards, leaders and representatives from Aboriginal communities present speeches, including Phil Fontaine (the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations), Patrick Brazeau (the national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples), Mary Simon (the president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), Clément Chartier (the president of the Métis National Council), and Beverley Jacobs (the president of the Native Women's Association of Canada). Later, Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl addresses the House before signing the official statements of apology with Prime Minister Harper. Mr. Harper and Mr. Strahl then present awards to various leaders and representatives from Aboriginal communities, including survivors of the residential school system. The ceremony concludes with performances by members of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. (June 11, 2008)
01:43:54

Public Record

Remembering the Children: Aboriginal and Church Leaders’ Tour

Citizens and indigenous, religious, and political leaders meet to launch the Remembering the Children Tour, Gatineau, Que., March 2, 2008. The tour is a component of the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and promotes the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC’s mandate is to conduct research, gather statements, support public education efforts, and commemorate the survivors of Canada’s residential school system. This March 2nd event features speeches by Phil Fontaine (National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations), Reverend Dr. Hans Kouwenberg (Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Canada), and Reverend Mark MacDonald (National Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada). The event also includes song, dance, and prayer.