Region 6 | Letters

NFU urges Saskatchewan to declare National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holiday

Dear Premier Moe,

National Farmers Union Region 6, Saskatchewan, urges the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Party, and the Saskatchewan NDP to join in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to declare 30 September a statutory holiday.

The Canadian government has recognized the importance of Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation by proclaiming a federal statutory holiday on September 30th. Five Provinces have done the same, but the Government of Saskatchewan has chosen not to recognize the day. We ask the government of Saskatchewan to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process by solemnly recognizing Truth & Reconciliation Day as a provincial statutory holiday.

The new federal statutory holiday was one of the Calls to Action of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). After six years, only 13 of the 94 TRC Calls to Action have been fully implemented by the federal government. This is tragic and unacceptable. This year especially, justice and reconciliation require immediate action on the TRC’s demands for the systematic recording and analysis of the deaths of Indigenous children at residential schools. Investigations are continuing and true reconciliation is needed now more than ever.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) believes the new federal statutory holiday should be a solemn day of reflection, anti-colonial action, and meaningful reconciliation. Indigenous Peoples receive no holiday from colonialism.

As farmers and NFU members, we commit to raising awareness, educating ourselves, and taking action in solidarity with Indigenous communities. We ask our members to participate in local Indigenous-led actions happening in their area, and to participate in the National Truth and Reconciliation week presented by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. We ask that the Province of Saskatchewan join us in this important act of recognition and learning.

Respectfully,

Al Birchard, NFU-SK Director

On behalf of the NFU Region 6 (SK) Directors Al Birchard, Dixie Green and Rachelle Ternier

Cc: NDP SK Leader, Ryan Mieli via email: saskatoonmeewasin@ndpcaucus.sk.ca