NationTalk: The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking input from Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, residential school survivors, including survivors of intergenerational trauma, and residents of the NWT to explore how to best acknowledge and support the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in future years.

The GNWT looks forward to learning what role its partners think it should play to respectfully and meaningfully acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including support for Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations in the activities or events they choose to organize to observe the day.

Direct engagement with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will occur over the coming months. Residents may also participate in the engagement by completing the public survey on the GNWT’s Have Your Say engagement platform. The deadline to provide input is March 31, 2023.

Quote(s)

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to not only honour those who have been lost, as well as the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve, but also to support education and awareness of the history and impact of residential schools and the legacy of colonialism in Canada. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to deliberate actions that advance reconciliation and are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and this engagement is an important step in that direction.”

– Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories

Quick facts

• The GNWT amended the Employment Standards Act in July 2022 to add the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to the list of statutory holidays, to be observed by all workers in the NWT, on September 30 annually.
• Prior to amending the Employment Standards Act, key partner and stakeholder groups indicated that other meaningful action needs to take place alongside the day; that is, events, ceremonies, education, information, and support should be available to NWT residents.

Related links

• Have your say
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation declared statutory holiday in Northwest Territories

For media requests, please contact:

Matthew Mallon

Senior Communications Officer

Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

matthew_mallon@gov.nt.ca