52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing - Week 42
Week 42 – Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) began its work in 2008 and concluded in 2015 with the release of its Final Report and 94 Calls to Action.
Over six years, the TRC travelled across Canada, listening to more than 6,500 witnesses and receiving over five million records. Through this extensive work, the Commission created a lasting collection of stories shared by Residential School Survivors and their families. These stories have helped shed light on the painful legacy of Residential Schools and laid an important foundation for the ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation.
Robertson, encourages us all to read the TRC’s Final Report and Calls to Action or, at the very least, take the time to read the summary. These resources are available to the public and offer an important opportunity to learn, reflect, and better understand our shared history.
One way we can contribute as Canadians is by holding our governments accountable for implementing the Calls to Action. While progress has been made on some, others have yet to begin. Robertson emphasizes that reconciliation is a grassroots movement. Governments cannot lead us to reconciliation on their own, but we can hold them accountable by advocating for meaningful policy changes, proper implementation, and adequate funding. We also have the power to elect leaders who honour their commitments and work toward lasting change.
Did you know the Government of Canada has a webpage tracking its progress on the Calls to Action? Take some time to explore it and learn more about what has been accomplished and what work remains. [Click here to explore the progress on the Calls to Action.]
Since the TRC’s Final Report was released in 2015, meaningful progress has been made. Robertson shares that, when visiting schools, he has yet to meet a student from kindergarten to Grade 12 who has not been taught about Residential Schools. This growing awareness is largely thanks to the efforts of teachers, librarians, and parents who are helping younger generations understand this important part of Canadian history.
However, we cannot afford to lose momentum or allow public interest to fade. We must learn from the past and avoid repeating the mistakes of previous inquiries, such as the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. Reconciliation requires ongoing commitment, continued learning, and meaningful action.
We must continue this journey together, looking ahead while taking the necessary steps to address the injustices of the past and present. By remaining engaged, holding our leaders accountable, and working toward meaningful change, we can help create a future grounded in understanding, healing, and lasting reconciliation.
Jennifer Aldous
Want to read last weeks post, you can do so here.