Thursday's Truth and Reconciliation Day -- the first of its kind in all Canada -- saw crowds gathering at Keeshkeemaquah's former Indian Residential School.

Residential school survivors spoke of their ordeals as tears welled up in observers' eyes throughout the large tent erected for the commemoration in front of the old school grounds.

Among those present, was Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen.

"It's very sobering, it's sad," says Bergen. "And yet, through the sadness and tears, there are beautiful smiles. There's hope. There is the chance for us to repair and truly bring reconciliation. And so, Truth and Reconciliation -- there's no greater description of what today is about. And not just today, but every day. Every day, we need to be honouring each other, remembering the past hurt that was committed, and be committed to change."

She adds we can and must bring reconciliation between Canadians of today and tomorrow, and all Indigenous people.