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Truth and Reconciliation: Truth & Reconciliation

A collection of resources exploring topics and stories revelant to Indigenous context in Canada, as well as Indigenous-settler relations, including historic and current relations with the Church.

What is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?

"The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was created through a legal settlement between Residential Schools Survivors, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit representatives and the parties responsible for creation and operation of the schools: the federal government and the church bodies.

The TRC’s mandate was to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. The TRC documented the truth of Survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience. This included First Nations, Inuit and Métis former residential school students, their families, communities, the churches, former school employees, government officials and other Canadians" (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, n.d., para. 1-2)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Sen. Murray Sinclair: How can Canadians work toward reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

"September 30, 2021 mark[ed] the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent" (Government of Canada, 2021, para. 1-3).

The Calls to Action

The TRC put forth 94 calls to action. Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action here. It is an 11 page document divided into the following categories.

Legacy

  • Child welfare
  • Education
  • Language and culture
  • Health
  • Justice

Reconciliation

  • Canadian governments and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
  • Royal Proclamation and Covenant of Reconciliation
  • Settlement agreement parties and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  • Equity for Indigenous people in the legal system
  • National Council for Reconciliation
  • Professional development and training for public servants
  • Church apologies and reconciliation
  • Education for reconciliation
  • Youth programs
  • Museums and archives
  • Missing children and burial information
  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Commemoration
  • Media and reconciliation
  • Sports and reconciliation
  • Business and reconciliation
  • Newcomers to Canada

Beyond 94

Call 48

Although all Canadians can find ways to work towards reconciliation throughout the Calls to Action, several calls specifically address and/or reference the Church. These include, 48, 58, 59, 60, 61, 73, and 74.

References

Government of Canada. (2021). National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. (n.d.). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/