Chiefs of Ontario calls for action to confront Indian Residential School denialism and honour Survivors
Content Warning: This release discusses the Indian Residential School system, including its ongoing impacts on Survivors, families, and First Nations, as well as Residential School denialism.
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
TORONTO (September 30, 2026) — On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Chiefs of Ontario is calling on governments, institutions, and all people across Ontario, to listen and honour Survivors, confront the growing rise of Residential School denialism, and continue taking meaningful action toward truth and reconciliation.
The profound harms inflicted by the Indian Residential School system are not confined to the past; the impacts remain embedded in the realities of First Nations people and communities today.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, remind us that reconciliation requires more than remembrance. It requires an unwavering commitment to continued support for Survivors and families, accountability for the harms inflicted, and meaningful action that delivers tangible and lasting change.
As First Nations continue the work of addressing the legacy of the Indian Residential School system with admirable resiliency, the lingering presence of denialism remains deeply concerning. Efforts to deny, minimize, or distort the truths and ongoing impacts of the Indian Residential School system undermine Survivors, families, and First Nations communities while hindering shared understanding and progress toward accountability, justice, and healing.
“ I want to take this opportunity to say that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is the time for governments to act, denialism must be criminalized. On a day of remembrance and honouring, we are haunted by the on false narratives and blatant demonstrations of intimidation inflicted upon us by denialists. This unabated hatred cannot be allowed to thrive and cannot continue to go without consequence. Survivors’ voices must be heard, their experiences must given the weight and recognition they deserve, and their truths must never be diminished or distorted,” says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, Chiefs of Ontario Indian Residential School Portfolio Holder.
Across Ontario, Survivors and First Nations continue to lead important work to preserve these truths and ensure they are carried forward. This includes, Survivor-led public education, such as the Survivor’s Secretariat Stolen Childhoods exhibition, decades of advocacy and repatriation efforts that helped bring Percy Onabigon home to Long Lake #58 First Nation, and efforts to preserve Survivor testimony and records, including the Indian Residential School Records Project, led by Connie Walker and Kimberly Murray.
“Commitments made by the provincial and federal governments to First Nations must be upheld, and communities must have the resources and supports necessary to continue this incredibly important work, guided by their own priorities and timelines. While commemoration is an important part of reconciliation, it cannot come at the expense of unfinished work,” shares Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.
For reports and additional resources, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
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About Chiefs of Ontario
The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario
Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org