Canada did not succeed: we are still here and we are powerful

Canada is just emerging from a federal election and, although the makeup of Parliament did not shift much, the outcome will determine the future of Reconciliation. The election followed a summer where the discoveries of more than 1,300 unmarked graves at former residential schools across the country inspired calls for action. Each of the five major parties spoke directly to Reconciliation in their platforms, with some calling for the implementation of all of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The successful Liberal campaign pledged funding for a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), as well as sustained funding for work on missing children and unmarked graves. A record number of 77 Indigenous candidates ran for election. One-in-five Canadian voters included Reconciliation as part of their "top five" issues—double the amount from 2019. Yet despite this, Reconciliation faded into the background. This echoes what Indigenous peoples have experienced for years. Real action on Reconciliation has stalled in the nearly six years following the completion of the TRC and only 14 of the 94 Calls to Action have been completed. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across the country still face extreme disadvantages, including food insecurity, overcrowded and inadequate housing, lack of safe drinking water, suicide and mental health crises, loss of language, and more. But while Canada is still at the very beginning of this work, we have seen some movement. This Sept. 30, the federal government, five provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador), and two territories (Yukon and the Northwest Territories) will recognize the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a moment for all people—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—to come together to reflect on the violent and ongoing legacy of the impacts of colonialism across Turtle Island. This past summer, many Canadians acknowledged the truth of that legacy for the first time. For too long, Canadians have ignored the country’s violent history and attempts to assimilate Indigenous peoples. Some were apathetic to the harms experienced by Indigenous children forced to attend residential school. Despite the TRC report, the truth remained out of sight and out of mind. We are beginning a new chapter of our understanding of the devastating impacts of residential schools and the legacy of colonialism, with more people engaged than ever before. All levels of government across the country must commit to real Reconciliation. They can begin by recognizing this important day and making space for reflection and remembrance. This week, people across the country have also had the chance to participate in Truth and Reconciliation Week, hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The educational programming over the past few days gave students, educators, and other people across the country the opportunity to hear from Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and many other Indigenous leaders. Hearing directly from Indigenous peoples is vital to continue this truth-telling and to spark a national conversation about the future of Reconciliation. The compelling words of Survivors, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers illustrate that Canada did not succeed: we are still here and we are powerful. Many still hold our language, our culture, and our songs. That’s also why—with the little time many Survivors have left—the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a significant time to centre their voices while they can still share these important stories themselves. On Sept. 30, we will come together to honour all Survivors and the lives of those lost to Canada’s residential school system. We will remember the children who came home and those who did not. Each child stolen from their family is a tragedy and every death; each loss of a single child is beyond words. As we move forward from the 2021 election and through the next months as a new Parliament forms, we must choose to make Reconciliation a central priority. Reconciliation is a path we must all walk together each day, not just on a statutory holiday. Stephanie Scott is the executive director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg and Anishinaabe from Roseau River First Nation. The Hill Times