CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was accused of snubbing the victims and survivors of indigenous residential schools after going on holiday on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Spokeswoman Ann-Clara Vaillancourt confirmed on Thursday that he was in Tofino, British Colombia, with his family, despite his official diary saying he would be taking a private day in Ottawa. 

He had received invitations from the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation in British Columbia — the home community of the Kamloops Indian Residential School — where remains of scores of indigenous children were found earlier this year, to attend their ceremony.

The organisation said it “sent two heartfelt invitations to Justin Trudeau to join survivors and their families” as public anger grew over his decision to spend the day at a popular surfing resort instead.

Indigenous policy analyst Melissa Mbarki said his actions were “deeply disrespectful to Canada’s First Nations,” warning they could set back reconciliation efforts. 

Mr Trudeau said he had spoken by phone “with residential school survivors from across the country, hearing their stories and getting their advice on the path forward.”