Ten Years of Reconciliation and the Path Ahead
Transcript:
In 2015, Canadians were called to face the truths about residential schools, (pause) honour Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and take action on reconciliation.
A decade later, reconciliation is reshaping Canada.
But it's important to remember where this journey began.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in 2008.
Over the next six years, 6,500 Survivors and witnesses shared their stories.
In December 2015, the Final Report and the 94 Calls to Action were released.
Our roadmap for reconciliation.
Since then, major steps have been taken.
(2019) With the Indigenous Languages Act, Indigenous communities are reviving and protecting their languages.
(2020) An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families has strengthened protections for Indigenous children and families.
(2021) The Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund funds more than 160 Indigenous-led projects, honouring and searching for missing children.
(2021) The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ensures that this history is never forgotten.
(2025) The National Council for Reconciliation is in place to track and guide future progress.
Of the 94 Calls to Action, 76 involve the federal government.
Today, more than 85% of those Calls to Action are completed or well underway.
But reconciliation is not finished.
Real change takes time, across generations.
Together, we'll keep building a stronger Canada.
One shaped by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis voices.
Reconciliation is our shared journey.
Every Canadian has a role.
Ten years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Final Report and 94 Calls to Action. It asked everyone in Canada to face the truth about residential schools, honour Survivors, and work toward a fairer future. Today, reconciliation is reshaping Canada. We see it in new laws designed to address historical injustices, enhance legal protections, and expand opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in education, health, and community development. We see it in the revival of Indigenous languages and cultures, and community efforts that honour missing children. This anniversary is a time to reflect on the progress in fulfilling the Calls to Action, and to look ahead at what's next. Reconciliation is a shared journey, and every one of us has a role to play in carrying it forward.
Photo gallery
On December 15, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its entire 6-volume final report, including the 94 Calls to Action. The Honourable Murray Sinclair played a pivotal role as Chair of the Commission in guiding this historic process and advancing reconciliation in Canada. His leadership helped steer the nation toward truth, justice, and healing—a legacy that continues to inspire reconciliation efforts today. (Photo courtesy of Adam Scotti)
The establishment of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021 and the Indian Residential Schools National Monument (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) are more than just symbolic. They honour Survivors and the children who never came home, creating spaces for reflection and learning, and respond to Calls to Action 80 and 81.
Through the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund, established in 2021, support has been provided to more than 160 Indigenous-led projects to locate and commemorate missing children at the sites of former residential schools in response to Call to Action 76.
In 2013, the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia became the first Indigenous-led organization to design and deliver health programs rooted in culture. This promotes new partnerships and better care for communities in response to Call to Action 19.
(Left to right: Richard Jock, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Authority; Wade Grant, Chair, First Nations Health Council; former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Colleen Erickson, Board Chair, First Nations Health Authority; Wenecwtsin (Wayne Christian), Deputy Chair, First Nations Heath Council; and, Patty Hajdu, former Minister of Indigenous Services.
In July 2022, the late Pope Francis visited Alberta, Quebec, and Nunavut to apologize for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools. It was a moment that opened the door to healing and understanding, and completed Call to Action 58.
(Left to right: Former Chief of Ermineskin Cree Nation, and Grand Chief Treaty 6 West, Alberta; the late Pope Francis; and, former Chief Vernon Saddleback of Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Ermineskin Cree Nation.)
"[…] I ask for God's forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon."
– Pope Francis, April 1, 2022
Inuvialuit values, traditional knowledge, and community-driven solutions helped shape the first Inuit coordination agreement. It was signed on September 30, 2024 – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – within the framework of An Act respecting First Nation, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
(Left to right: Northwest Territories Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler, Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation chair Duane Smith and vice-chair, Evelyn Storr)
On March 3, 2025, the Crown Indigenous Relations Minister at the time jointly with the Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation named the first Board of Directors for the National Council for Reconciliation. Also on that day, the Council was incorporated as an Indigenous-led organization that will advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. Among other functions, the council will monitor progress on reconciliation, promote transparency, and help build lasting change.
(Back row – left-right: Charlene Bearhead, Peter Dinsdale, Julie Ann Wriston, Mahalia Yakeleya Newmark, Joseph Murdoch-Flowers. Front row – left-right: Jonathan Dewar, Édith Cloutier, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty, Mike DeGagné. Absent: Belinda Webb)