Canada's Future in a Changing World · Term 4

Reconciliation & National Healing

Assess the progress of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

About This Topic

This topic assesses the progress of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, focusing on the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Students examine the 94 'Calls to Action' and analyze the extent to which they have been implemented by governments, institutions, and individuals. The curriculum explores the meaning of 'meaningful reconciliation' and the ongoing challenges of addressing systemic racism and dispossession.

Grade 12 students investigate the role of non-Indigenous Canadians in the reconciliation process and the importance of 'truth-telling' as a foundation for healing. They analyze the impact of the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools on the national conversation. This topic comes alive when students can participate in a 'Reconciliation Action Plan,' where they identify a specific area (e.g., education, justice, or health) and design a project to address a relevant TRC Call to Action in their own community.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate the extent to which Canada has implemented the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action since their release.
• Analyze the systemic barriers that hinder meaningful reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• Design a community-based project proposal that addresses a specific TRC Call to Action.
• Critique current government policies and institutional practices for their impact on reconciliation efforts.
• Explain the role of truth-telling and education in fostering national healing and reconciliation.

Before You Start

Indigenous Peoples in Canada: History and Governance

Why: Students need foundational knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, and pre-colonial governance structures to understand the context of reconciliation.

Canadian History: Colonization and Confederation

Why: Understanding the historical processes of colonization and the formation of Canada is essential for grasping the legacy of residential schools and dispossession.

Key Vocabulary

Calls to Action	The 94 recommendations issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, aimed at redressing the legacy of residential schools and advancing reconciliation.
Reconciliation	The process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, based on mutual understanding and recognition of rights.
Residential Schools	A system of boarding schools for Indigenous children in Canada, established to assimilate them into mainstream society, which caused immense harm and trauma.
Truth-Telling	The process of acknowledging and sharing the historical and ongoing truths of the experiences of Indigenous peoples, particularly concerning residential schools and colonization.
Systemic Racism	Prejudices and discriminatory practices embedded within the structures and institutions of society that disadvantage Indigenous peoples.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: Tracking the Calls to Action

Small groups are assigned a specific category of the TRC Calls to Action (e.g., Justice, Health, or Language and Culture). They research the current status of each call in that category and present a 'Progress Report' using a traffic-light system (red, yellow, green).

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Simulation Game: The Reconciliation Circle

Students participate in a simulated community meeting where Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders discuss a local reconciliation project (e.g., renaming a landmark or changing a school curriculum). They must practice active listening and find common ground.

⏱ 75 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: What Does 'Reconciliation' Mean to You?

Students read different definitions of reconciliation from Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders. They discuss with a partner which definition they find most powerful and what they believe is the most important first step toward healing.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Real-World Connections

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba works to preserve the memories of residential school survivors and educate Canadians about this history and its ongoing impacts.

Indigenous leaders and organizations across Canada, such as the Assembly of First Nations, actively advocate for policy changes and community initiatives that align with the TRC's Calls to Action.

Many Canadian municipalities and provincial governments are developing reconciliation frameworks and action plans, often in partnership with local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Reconciliation is just about 'saying sorry' for the past.

What to Teach Instead

Reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires concrete actions to address current inequalities and to change the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Using a 'Words vs. Actions' chart can help students see the difference between symbolic and substantive reconciliation.

Common Misconception

The residential school system is 'ancient history' that doesn't affect people today.

What to Teach Instead

The legacy of residential schools is 'intergenerational,' impacting the health, language, and culture of survivors and their descendants today. Analyzing 'Intergenerational Trauma' through personal narratives can help students understand the ongoing impact of these policies.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class debate using the prompt: 'Has Canada made significant progress towards reconciliation since the TRC's Calls to Action were released?' Students should use specific examples and evidence from the TRC report and current events to support their arguments.

Quick Check

Present students with a short case study describing a current event or policy related to Indigenous-settler relations. Ask them to identify which TRC Call to Action (or cluster of calls) is most relevant and explain why in 2-3 sentences.

Peer Assessment

Students draft a one-page proposal for a community reconciliation project. They exchange proposals with a partner and use a checklist to assess: Is the chosen Call to Action clearly identified? Are the proposed actions specific and measurable? Is the potential impact on reconciliation explained?

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?

The TRC was a commission established in 2008 to document the history and lasting impact of the Canadian Indian residential school system on Indigenous students and their families. It provided a platform for survivors to share their stories and issued 94 Calls to Action.

What is the 'United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples' (UNDRIP)?

UNDRIP is an international instrument that describes the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples. It is a key framework for reconciliation in Canada, as many of the TRC Calls to Action are based on its principles.

How can non-Indigenous Canadians contribute to reconciliation?

Non-Indigenous Canadians can contribute by educating themselves about Indigenous history and culture, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, advocating for the implementation of the TRC Calls to Action, and challenging systemic racism in their own lives and communities.

How can active learning help students understand reconciliation?

Active learning through 'Community-Based Projects' is very effective. By tasking students with identifying a local issue related to reconciliation and developing a plan to address it, they move from being passive observers to active participants in the process, helping them understand that reconciliation is a shared responsibility that requires personal and collective effort.