Walking alongside Indigenous peoples in truth and reconciliation

As we mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we stand shoulder to shoulder—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous—as we remember the children lost to the Indian Residential School System, and stand in solidarity with the survivors, families, and communities grappling with this legacy. The residential school chapter is not just history. Its shadows persist in the lived experiences of many Indigenous families today. Taha Ghayyur is the executive director of Justice for All Canada. Photograph courtesy of Justice For All Canada The intention behind these schools, built with the cooperation of the Canadian government and religious organizations—including the Catholic, Anglican, and United Churches—was deeply troubling. Established under a policy of "aggressive assimilation," these schools operated from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. Designed to sever ties between Indigenous children and their heritage, children were often prohibited from speaking their native languages or practicing their culture. A report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission found that at least 4,100 children died while attending these schools, though the actual number is believed to be much higher. The malnutrition, disease, and substandard living conditions contributed to an alarming death rate, further emphasizing the devastating impact of this dark chapter in Canadian history. Supported by a 2022 grant from Canadian Heritage, Justice For All Canada—a Muslim human rights organization—immersed Canadian Muslim youth in a reconciliation process. This involved linking them with Indigenous elders, organizations, and Indigenous businesses to foster mutual understanding. Through this engagement, many Muslim youth experienced personal transformations, gaining a deeper appreciation for Indigenous histories and culture, including the history of residential schools. With this insight, the participants then brought their newfound understanding back to their Muslim community schools and centres, sparking discussions and engagement based on their learnings. Across the country, numerous communities are actively seeking genuine ways to align with the recommendations set out in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation report. But one must question how much progress has the government itself made? The journey to truth has been agonizingly slow for Indigenous communities. In the two years since the announcement of discoveries of mass graves, Indigenous families have endured a heart-wrenching wait. The emotional toll is profound, as they yearn to lay their loved ones to rest and find closure. Yet, the government's efforts to excavate these sites have lagged. Reconciliation, too, remains a work in progress and Canada has failed to fulfill its obligations to protect the land and waterways of Indigenous Peoples, and to respect their right to free, prior, and informed consent. Canada's responsibility to fully align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has been protracted. The nation's recent action plan, released in June, is a step. It detailed 181 measures to uphold and advance the human rights of Indigenous peoples, address injustices, prejudice, violence, systemic racism and discrimination, and monitor implementation of the action plan. Canada has pledged to promote the self-determination and self-government of Indigenous communities, implement treaties, agreements, and other arrangements, and ensure that Indigenous peoples have a significant voice in decisions about their lands, territories, and resources, as well as inclusive economic development. Yet, despite these commitments, many Indigenous communities still lack access to clean water and continue to grapple with challenges such as pipeline construction, resource extraction, and infrastructure development on their lands. As allies, our role is to support transparent investigations that honour Indigenous protocols and respect the stories of survivors. We have the responsibility to ensure our government remains true to its pledges regarding truth and reconciliation. Over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families, with many never returning. Each uncertain discovery, each inconclusive report, amplifies Canada's obligation to determine the whereabouts of these lost children. Genuine reconciliation mandates confronting these somber realities directly, always remembering that behind every statistic lies a child deserving of recognition, justice, and truth. Taha Ghayyur is the executive director of Justice for All Canada, a non-profit human rights and advocacy organization based in Toronto. The Hill Times