Statement by Minister Rebecca Alty addressing Residential Schools denialism

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Alty, issued the following statement today:

"For generations, Survivors and Indigenous communities have spoken about their experiences in Residential Schools and the impact these institutions had on children, families, and communities. Their truths are not new. Yet, we continue to hear statements denying this truth, circulating disinformation, and attempting to undermine reconciliation.

Residential Schools denialism compounds the harms experienced by Survivors, families, communities, and Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It spreads false information by denying or casting doubt on the history of Residential Schools and the lasting harm they caused.

That is why the Government of Canada is continuing its work to address Residential Schools denialism and support greater public awareness of the history and legacy of Residential Schools. A national public education effort, backed by the $5 million investment announced in Budget 2024, will build on this work by reinforcing the historical record, strengthening public understanding and directly confronting misinformation and denialist claims. We are now finalizing the partnerships and delivery mechanisms needed to bring this effort forward, with a focus on delivering informative and accessible content that clearly addresses misinformation and denialist claims.

Together, we can build a future where the truths of Survivors are respected, where Canadians have access to accurate information, and where reconciliation is strengthened through knowledge, understanding, and dialogue. Truth matters. And preserving it is a responsibility we all share."

For more information: The 24-hour safe and confidential National Residential School Crisis Line, available at 1-866-925-4419, provides crisis referral services to Survivors and their families and explains how to obtain other health supports from the Government of Canada. The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online chat-based emotional support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada. Both telephone and online chat services are available 24/7 in English and French. Telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Trained counsellors are available at 1–855–242–3310 or via hopeforwellness.ca.

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

For more information, media may contact: Alec Wilson, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, [email protected]; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, [email protected]