Examining the Legacy of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada has left an indelible mark on the nation nearly a decade after releasing its landmark report. Established in response to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, the TRC aimed to address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples due to the residential school system. As Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2023, discussions continue regarding the implementation of its 94 Calls to Action and the ongoing journey towards meaningful reconciliation.

Understanding the TRC’s Origins and Goals

The TRC was initiated following a class action lawsuit involving survivors, the federal government, and several church entities. Its work commenced in 2008 and culminated in 2015 with a comprehensive report that detailed systemic abuses within the residential school system. The report characterized these actions as cultural genocide, a perspective echoed by various leaders, including Pope Francis. The House of Commons also recognized Canada’s role in these abuses as genocidal.

Indigenous studies and history professor Cody Groat highlighted that one of the most significant outcomes of the TRC has been the increased awareness among the Canadian public about the residential school system. Today, a broader segment of the population understands the historical context and ramifications of these institutions.

Progress and Shortcomings of the Calls to Action

The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action were designed to engage all levels of government, educational institutions, the private sector, and individuals in driving change. Despite the passage of ten years, many of these calls remain unfulfilled. Notable achievements include the appointment of Ronald E. Ignace as Canada’s first federal Indigenous Languages Commissioner, in line with Call to Action 15, and the establishment of September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, fulfilling Call to Action 80.

However, a recent report from the Yellowhead Institute indicated that as of 2023, 81 of the Calls to Action have yet to be implemented. Significant gaps remain in areas such as the criminal justice system. For instance, Call to Action 26, which seeks to amend statutes of limitations for historical abuse disclosures by Indigenous peoples, has not been acted upon. The lack of accountability for those involved in the residential school system remains a pressing concern.

Groat pointed out that the TRC’s focus on the residential school system is essential, yet it also reveals limitations. The TRC’s narrow scope did not address other critical issues, such as the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, or the Sixties Scoop, which refers to the mass removal of Indigenous children from their families.

Personal Reflections and Ongoing Education

For many, including Groat, the TRC’s work resonates on a personal level. He shared that his grandparents were directly affected by the residential school system, and until the TRC’s efforts, there was little awareness of these issues within his family. Groat observed that many families and survivors had not engaged in discussions about the residential school system until the TRC brought these narratives into the public sphere.

Current university students benefit from a more established knowledge base about the residential school system, having learned about it throughout their education. However, Groat cautioned that this knowledge tends to be trauma-centered and does not encompass the full range of Indigenous experiences.

As society grows increasingly polarized, Groat emphasized the importance of maintaining the TRC’s narrative. Denialism surrounding the residential school system persists, with some questioning its purpose and the significance of student deaths.

Moving forward, the TRC’s legacy continues to serve as a foundation for ongoing discussions about reconciliation in Canada. As the nation reflects on the past, the need for accountability, education, and a broader understanding of Indigenous histories remains critical to fostering genuine reconciliation.