On the occasion of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, said in Ottawa that the country's education system should place greater emphasis on teaching the history of Indigenous peoples and their languages.

Simon stated, "We need a more unified system on how to tell the whole story of Canada, especially regarding Indigenous peoples and First Nations in this country."

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation celebrates the legacy of the Canadian residential school system for Indigenous children and the harm it caused to Indigenous peoples.

The federal government designated this commemorative day in compliance with one of the 94 Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Mary Simon also mentioned that during her travels as Governor General, she is often asked about her views on reconciliation. She emphasized that it is important for words to be accompanied by tangible actions.

Canadians participated in a series of events across the country to celebrate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Prime Minister Trudeau was in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, to take part in events that began with a march.

The discovery of unmarked graves on the grounds of many former residential schools for Indigenous children shocked many Canadians, but some Indigenous scholars fear it may also provoke violent reactions, as people distort the facts or downplay the significance of the harm caused by residential schools to generations. Denying the abuses that occurred in those schools, which were for Indigenous peoples a form of cultural genocide, is also a concern.

Trudeau also stated that this date is a day when all Canadians must face the reality that our past has not been as we would like it to be.

In turn, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in Ottawa said that the memorial event in the capital was a very special day for all Canadians to reflect on past mistakes, promote reconciliation, and honor First Nations from coast to coast to coast.