On September 30, 2025, the Diefenbunker Museum gathered with community members, Residential School Survivors, Knowledge Keepers, and partners to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The morning began with the unveiling and dedication of a permanent land acknowledgement installation on the museum grounds, made possible thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The installation acknowledges that the Diefenbunker was built on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation and affirms the museum’s commitment to truth, reconciliation, and respectful representation of Indigenous histories and perspectives.
The dedication, led by the Diefenbunker’s Executive Director, Monique Goffinet, opened with a drum performance by the Spirit Wolf Singers, creating a powerful atmosphere of respect and reflection. Joining her were Acting-Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Councillor Merv Sarazin and Councillor Clarke Kelly (Ward 5 West Carleton-March), who each shared meaningful words. Together, their reflections acknowledged the significance of the day, the truths that must continue to be faced, and the importance of working in partnership with Indigenous communities. The permanent land acknowledgement installation outside the Diefenbunker Museum is not only a marker of history, but a living commitment to reconciliation.
Following the unveiling, a Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony hosted by Makatew Workshops brought together Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Residential School Survivors, local school groups, community members, and members of parliament. Led by emcee John Henri Commanda, the ceremony included a sacred fire, an opening prayer from Elder Fred McGregor, song and dance, and the sharing of stories rooted in Indigenous knowledge and resilience by Survivors of the Residential School system.
The powerful words that were shared throughout the day grounded us in the importance of remembrance and action. We were reminded of the words of the late Former Senator Murray Sinclair, who said that “Education is what got us into this mess, but it is also what will get us out of it.†His words reflect both the harm caused by systems designed to erase Indigenous cultures and the hope that education, when rooted in truth, respect, and inclusion, can lead us toward reconciliation.
Shirly Caibaiosai, a Residential School Survivor, also shared a profound reflection: “The Indian Residential School system is the only school system where its alumni are referred to not as graduates, but as survivors.†This stark truth is a sombre reminder of the devastating cost of the system and its lasting scars across generations.
These voices remind us that reconciliation is not symbolic but requires ongoing effort, honesty, and action. They call us to confront the painful truths of the past, to listen to Survivors and their families, and to commit ourselves to building a future where Indigenous voices, histories, and ways of knowing are respected and celebrated.
Looking ahead, the audience was encouraged to reflect not only on the harm caused by the Residential School system, but also on the remarkable resilience of Survivors. Their strength shows that hope in the human spirit is not diminished, but renewed. A descendant of a Survivor underscored this truth by sharing that they would not be here today were it not for their grandfather’s survival — and his choice to lead with love throughout his life.
As Canada’s Cold War Museum, we recognize not only the legacy of the Cold War, but also its impacts on Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. On this day and every day, we honour the Survivors, the children who never returned, and the families and communities who continue to be affected. We remain committed to educating about our past, while walking the path of reconciliation with openness, respect, and a dedication to amplifying Indigenous voices and stories within our work.