Many Canadians are likely familiar with the words truth and reconciliation. They have been prominent in the Canadian media landscape for a number of years now. Where does their importance come from? In large part, in comes from the work and final report produced by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
It is important to understand the "why" behind these words and not just the snippets we might get from news or media coverage of certain topics. Why do they matter? Why are they important? And, of course, what does truth and reconciliation mean?
Begin with understanding the work completed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Canada was established as a part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which aimed to address the historical injustices and lasting impacts of the residential school system. The TRC's work was focused on truth-telling, healing, and advancing [re]conciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
The TRC was mandated to document the experiences of survivors of residential schools, which operated from the 19th century to as recently as 1996. These schools were government-funded and operated by religious organizations with the goal of assimilating Indigenous children into Settler culture. The residential school system inflicted severe emotional, physical, and cultural abuse on Indigenous children, leading to intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities.
The TRC travelled nationwide to hold hearings and gather statements from survivors, families, and communities affected by the residential school system. Through these gatherings, survivors shared their stories, providing a comprehensive record of the traumatic experiences they endured at the hands of the church and state. The Commission also collected documents, records, and testimony from former staff members and government officials.
The TRC's final report, released in 2015, included a detailed historical analysis of the residential school system and its impacts on Indigenous peoples. The report also included 94 Calls to Action, which outlined concrete steps to address the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been instrumental in bringing awareness to the dark chapter of Canadian history represented by the residential school system. By providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and experiences, the TRC has played a crucial role in promoting healing and understanding among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Calls to Action serve as a roadmap for addressing the ongoing legacy of colonialism and working towards a more just, equitable, and respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Looking Closer
Looking Closer
To gain even more insight into the work of the TRC, you can watch this video: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. It is a 3 hour and 44-minute-long recorded live stream the final event that marked the end of the Commission’s mandate in 2015.
A key component for moving forward with the findings of the Commission's work involves education. Watch this short video on how educating our youth can provide a path forward.
Stop and Reflect
As noted here in this module, findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have been a part of the political and media discourse in Canada for some time now. So, what has happened since the Commission completed its work? What do you think has been accomplished?
Think about this question carefully before you watch this CBC story on what has happened with the 94 Calls to Action six years after the final report was released.
After watching the video, ask yourself if you agree with what the experts had to say. If so, why? Were there any you disagreed with? What do you think the results are since the story was published?