Statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Release

Office of the Premier

September 29, 2025

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued by Premier Susan Holt in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Tuesday, Sept. 30:

I respectfully acknowledge that New Brunswick is situated on the unceded and unsurrendered territories of the Wolastoqey, Mi'kmaq and Peskotomuhkati peoples. We seek to repair and rebuild meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples and honour these lands which hold the hopes of future generations.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for reflection, learning and renewed commitment to taking action towards reconciliation.

Each of us has a responsibility to take part in this work. Our government is committed to rebuilding relationships with First Nations under a government-to-government model that reflects trust, respect and understanding. We are continuing to make progress towards implementing the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We are proud to have taken the first steps toward economic reconciliation this past week in signing revenue-sharing agreements with 14 First Nations.

These steps are important, but we still have lots of work ahead of us. The gaps remain real and significant. This anniversary reminds us that reconciliation is not a single event, nor a single day; it is a commitment to sustained and focused action, to listening, and to repairing relationships.

On Sept. 30, New Brunswickers join together in honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools, and in standing with survivors, their families and their communities as they continue to share their truths and guide our path forward.

Let us pause to remember the children who were taken, to honour the survivors who share their truths, and to renew our collective promise to build a future that is just, inclusive and respectful for all.

Thank you. Woliwon. Wela’lin.