Truth and Reconciliation - Answering the Calls to Action

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission published 94 Calls to Action for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians to come together in a concerted effort to help repair the harm caused by residential schools and move forward with reconciliation.

Have you wondered how you can act on the TRC: Calls to Actions?

Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner, Sen Murray Sinclair, says Canadians can work toward reconciliation by reading the report and finding a call to action that interests them.

The calls to action are the specific things that Aboriginal Canadians have outlined that are essential to supporting reconciliation as a country.

The 94 calls are divided into the following categories:

Legacy

• Child welfare

• Education

• Language and culture

• Health

• Justice

Reconciliation

• Canadian Government and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

• Royal Proclamation and Covenant of Reconciliation

• Settlement Agreement Parties and the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People

• Equity for Aboriginal people in the legal system

• National Council for Reconciliation

• Professional Development and Training for Public Servants

• Church Apologies and Reconciliation

• Education for Reconciliation

• Youth Programs

• Museums and Archives

• Missing Children and Burial Information

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

• Commemoration

• Media and Reconciliation

• Sports and Reconciliation

• Business and Reconciliation

• Newcomers to Canada

Here's an overview of what's been done so far:

As Canadians, we have a lot of work to do.

You can work on any action that you feel best suits your strengths.

Consider these examples...

• A sports enthusiast might take initiative to educate themselves and others on the achievements of Aboriginal athletes. (Call 87)

• An avid news reader might write to the CBC to request increased coverage of the legacy of Residential schools. (Call 84)

• A healthcare worker might consider ways that their institution could deliver more equitable health services to Aboriginal communities. (Call 19)

Being a true ally requires more than a one-off activity or social media post.

As you educate yourself on the TRC Calls to Action, you'll find that there are opportunities to create more awareness, justice, and equality at both the personal and professional level.

You don't have to do everything at once.

But to be a true ally, you need to start - and make a commitment to continue the work.

Review the 94 calls. Which calls stand out to you?

Talk with a colleague about actions you can work on together to address, and be part of Reconciliation in Canada.