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Prime Minister Mark Carney attends the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event at Fort Edmonton Park, on Wednesday September 30, 2026.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
By The Canadian Press

Carney reflects on ‘dark chapter’ at Truth and Reconciliation ceremony in Edmonton

Sep 30, 2026 | 10:44 AM

EDMONTON — Prime Minister Mark Carney says it’s important to reflect on a “dark chapter” in Canada’s history and honour the children who survived residential schools and those who never made it home.

He made the comment Wednesday on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at a ceremony featuring drumming and traditional dancers at Fort Edmonton Park.

In a speech, Carney acknowledged the dignitaries gathered but focused his attention on the children.

“Today is about all the truth,” Carney said.

“And it’s for the children. Those children. Those survivors. Those who didn’t survive.”

“Today’s ceremony calls on us to hear your stories and to reflect on a dark chapter in Canada’s past and to commit to move forward together.”

Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was also at the event, one of many held across Canada.

Beginning in the 1800s, more than 150,000 Indigenous children in Canada were sent to church-run residential schools, where abuse and malnutrition were rampant.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded the schools were central to a state-backed policy of cultural genocide.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2026.

Daniela Germano, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press