Former basketball player Linklater wants truth emphasized on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Canadian Michael Linklater, an ex-professional basketball player, has dedicated his life to leading by example as an Indigenous athlete.

Now, with the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, Linklater hopes his people's plight since the founding of Turtle Island — how some Indigenous people refer to North America — comes to light.

"All of Canada has been lied to since the creation of it," Linklater told CBC Sports' Anastasia Bucsis. 

"And so now that the truth is coming out, which is the first word in truth and reconciliation, it's really important to understand the true history of our country and ... what we really face as Indigenous people."

WATCH | Linklater discusses important day:

The day is meant to honour survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities while recognizing the tragic acts that occurred. 

Linklater, who recently turned 39, is Nehiyaw (Cree) from Thunderchild First Nation, Sask., and grew up in Saskatoon.