Survivors’ Flag Raised in Honour and Remembrance on Parliament Hill

We acknowledge that this information launch might include data that’s troublesome for a lot of readers. For instant emotional assist, Survivors and their households are inspired to contact the National Residential Schools Crisis Line for instant emotional and referral assist 24 hours a day, 7 days every week, toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

The Hope for Wellness Helpline can also be out there to all Indigenous folks throughout Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors can be found 24 hours a day, 7 days every week at 1-855-242-3310 or through on-line chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca. This service is out there 24/7 in English and French and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. 

October 1, 2025 — Ottawa, unceded Algonquin Traditional Territory, Ontario — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Today First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Residential School Survivors gathered on Parliament Hill, unceded territory of the Anishinabeg Algonquin, to re-raise the Survivors’ Flag in honour of Residential School Survivors and in reminiscence of the kids who by no means returned dwelling. 

Survivors, Elder Claudette Commanda, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) had been joined at this commemorative occasion by leaders of National Indigenous Organizations, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

Residential colleges forcibly separated Indigenous kids from household and group, and subjected them to abuse and neglect and prohibited from practising their cultures, traditions, and languages. The trauma imposed by this method continues to reverberate for Survivors and the generations that adopted. 

The Survivors’ Flag reminds us all of this shameful therapy endured by Indigenous Peoples in Canada and symbolizes Canada’s ongoing dedication to reconciliation.