Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada & CALLS TO ACTION IN EDUCATION

“The TRC is a component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Its mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools (IRS). The Commission documented the truth of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the IRS experience. This includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis former Indian Residential School students, their families, communities, the Churches, former school employees, Government and other Canadians.

Indian Residential Schools are a part of our shared history, a history that is not well understood by many. Canada's relationship with Aboriginal people has suffered as a result of the IRS system. Healing and repairing that relationship will require education, awareness, and increased understanding of the legacy and the impacts still being felt for everyone involved in that relationship.” (2007 - 2015) 

In December 2015, the TRC released its six-volume Final Report. All Canadians are encouraged to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action document which outlines 95 calls to action "In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation". Education is outlined in #6 - 12, and more importantly, Education for Reconciliation is detailed in #62 - 65. Although many of the calls in Education for Reconciliation speak to government action on policies, practices and funding, many others can be actioned by caring citizens and community members and especially teachers, as well as schools.