The truth of our common experiences will help set out spirits free and pave the way to reconciliation.
– Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, Schedule N

 

On June 2, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) released its final report on the Indian Residential School System. Based on six years of work, the Commission’s report concluded that the placement of 150,000 Aboriginal children in residential schools amounted to nothing short of “cultural genocide”. The report outlines 94 Calls to Action for redressing the legacy of residential schools and for advancing the process of Canadian reconciliation. Of these, there are seven recommendations that relate directly to education (recommendations 6 -12) and a further five that relate to education for reconciliation (recommendations 62 – 65). Additionally, recommendation 57 calls explicitly for professional development and training for public servants, including “skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.”

 

Here are some excellent resources to help as we move forward on this important journey.