Assessing a Decade of Change: The Legacy of the TRC in Canada

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Canada has significantly shaped the national conversation surrounding the Indian residential school system since it released its final report in 2015. Nearly a decade later, as the nation observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, discussions continue regarding accountability, the implementation of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, and the steps necessary for meaningful reconciliation.

Understanding the TRC’s Mission and Impact

Established in response to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement—a class action lawsuit involving survivors, the federal government, and various church entities—the TRC began its work in 2008. It aimed to document the systemic abuses within the residential school system and recommend actions to prevent future harms. The final report highlighted the profound impacts of these institutions, labeling them as acts of cultural genocide.

According to Cody Groat, a professor of Indigenous studies and history, the most significant change over the past decade has been the increased awareness of the Indian residential school system among Canadians. He noted, “Most people in this country now know what an Indian residential school was.” Notably, even prominent figures like Pope Francis have referred to these actions as acts of genocide, and the House of Commons has unanimously recognized Canada’s involvement in these abuses.

Progress on Calls to Action and Remaining Challenges

The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action were directed at various stakeholders, including all levels of government, educational institutions, and individuals, urging them to drive change. Despite some progress, many of these calls remain unfulfilled even after ten years.

One notable achievement is the establishment of a federal Indigenous Languages Commissioner, as outlined in Call to Action 15, with Ronald E. Ignace, a member of the Secwepemc Nation, currently filling the role. Additionally, Call to Action 80 has been realized with the creation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, now recognized as a federal statutory holiday.

In a 2023 progress report released by the Yellowhead Institute, it was revealed that 81 of the TRC’s Calls to Action remain unfulfilled, highlighting significant gaps in implementation. Notably, there has been a lack of structural changes in the criminal justice system, particularly regarding Call to Action 26, which sought to amend statutes of limitations to allow historical abuse cases to be heard in court.

Groat emphasized the urgency of addressing these gaps, noting that very few individuals have faced criminal accountability for their roles in the Indian residential school system.

The TRC’s scope was deliberately narrow, focusing primarily on the residential school system as a direct response to the specific abuses documented in the settlement agreement. As Groat pointed out, the TRC’s focus did not extend to other critical issues affecting Indigenous peoples, such as the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls or the Sixties Scoop.

Personal Reflections and the Future of Reconciliation

Groat shared his personal connection to the TRC, revealing that his grandparents were impacted by the residential school system. He remarked, “Awareness didn’t exist even within my own family,” illustrating the profound effects of the TRC’s work on individual lives and familial conversations.

Today’s university students, according to Groat, have grown up with knowledge of the residential school system, having been educated about it from an early age. However, he cautioned that their understanding may be limited and overly focused on trauma, lacking a broader context of Indigenous culture and resilience.

As society grapples with increasing polarization and denialism surrounding the legacy of Indian residential schools, Groat stressed the importance of maintaining the TRC’s narrative. He concluded, “It’s crucial to keep the TRC’s message front and centre, even after a decade,” underscoring the ongoing need for dialogue and action to foster genuine reconciliation in Canada.

As the nation reflects on the TRC’s legacy, the path towards meaningful change remains fraught with challenges, yet the commitment to accountability and understanding continues to grow.