We Must Commit to Truth and Reconciliation

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on Canada's shameful treatment of Indigenous peoples, including the enduring effects of the residential school system. This legacy continues to result in suffering by Indigenous people across our province.

Alberta alone had 25 federally recognized residential schools that forcibly took thousands of Indigenous children from their families. There, many endured physical, emotional, and cultural abuse. Indigenous children were subjected to brutal conditions, stripped of their languages, and denied their cultural identities. Ripped from their parents, many tragically never made it home and are buried in unmarked graves. The impacts of this dark chapter reverberate to this day.

Indigenous communities in Alberta today face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and barriers to education and healthcare. The trauma inflicted by residential schools contributes to ongoing mental health crises and tragically high suicide rates among Indigenous youth.
The Alberta Liberal Party recognizes the urgent need to address these injustices. We are committed to advocating for meaningful actions. We must not ignore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and we must implement programs to rectify historic discrimination and its detrimental effects on Indigenous people in our society. We support efforts to protect Indigenous languages and partner with Indigenous communities to provide culturally appropriate services to overcome the challenges Indigenous people face today.

On this solemn day, let us remember the survivors, those who were lost, and the communities still living with the trauma. We must listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and commit ourselves to participating actively in reconciliation.