Why Reconciliation Matters at Beechwood
Every September 30, Beechwood Cemetery opens its gates not just as a place of rest, but as a place of learning. On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we dedicate an entire day to education, reflection, and dialogue.
Why? Because reconciliation is not an abstract idea, it’s a responsibility. And as the National Cemetery of Canada, Beechwood has a duty to ensure that all stories are remembered.
A Cemetery That Holds All Our Stories
Beechwood is home to the memories of Canadians from every walk of life, military leaders, politicians, community builders, artists, and everyday families. But our history is not only one of achievement; it is also marked by deep injustices. The legacy of the residential school system is one of those truths that cannot be ignored.
This is why Beechwood commits itself to reconciliation, not as a symbolic gesture, but as part of its mission to tell the full Canadian story.
We do not do this work alone. Beechwood partners with the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society and A7G (Assembly of Seven Generations). Together, we have developed programming that is led by community voices, ensuring that what we present is not only historically accurate but also respectful and rooted in lived experience.
Our Reconciling History tours shine a light on figures buried here who played key roles, both positive and negative, in the history of residential schools. We tell the stories of people like Duncan Campbell Scott, one of the architects of the system, and Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce, who spoke out against its abuses. Walking among the gravestones, participants confront how decisions made by individuals shaped the lives of thousands of Indigenous children.
Why a Full Day?
Reconciliation requires more than a moment of silence. It requires time.
That’s why Beechwood dedicates an entire day on September 30 to guided tours, student learning sessions, and public discussions. From morning until evening, our grounds are transformed into classrooms without walls. Each tour takes about an hour, allowing space not only to learn but to ask questions and reflect.
Families, students, and community groups come together, wearing orange shirts, sharing stories, and building connections. It is a day to slow down, listen, and leave with both knowledge and a call to action.
Our Ongoing Commitment
At Beechwood, reconciliation is not confined to one day. September 30 is a catalyst, but the work continues year-round. Our educational tours, partnerships, and public programs all serve one purpose: to ensure Canadians remember not only with pride, but also with honesty.
Because reconciliation is not about the past alone, it’s about the future we are building together.