- Trudeau says 'denialism' rising as nation marks holiday for indigenous reconciliation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Lac La Ronge Chief Tammy Cook-Searson led an Awareness Walk on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Canada, on September 30, 2023. Trudeau warned about the rise of “denialism” and emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth as the nation gathered to honor the lost children and survivors of indigenous schools. National Truth and Reconciliation Day recognizes the legacy of residential schools, which operated from 1831 to 1996 and subjected approximately 150,000 indigenous children to abuse and cultural genocide. Trudeau stated that it is crucial to remember the past injustices and intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous Peoples, especially with denialism on the rise. Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to face higher levels of poverty, violence, and shorter life expectancies. Trudeau faced criticism in 2021 for going on vacation shortly after his government designated the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a federal holiday.