First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 12 · Truth, Reconciliation, and the Future · 5.º Período

The TRC and Calls to Action

This topic focuses on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and its 94 Calls to Action. Students critically evaluate the progress made and the ongoing responsibilities of all Canadians.

TL;DR:The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a landmark process in Canada, providing a platform for residential school survivors to share their stories. This topic focuses on the TRC's 94 Calls to Action, which provide a roadmap for reconciliation across all sectors of society, including education, justice, health, and business. Students critically evaluate the progress made on these calls and the role of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• I1.1 Analyze the findings and recommendations of the TRC
• I1.2 Evaluate the progress of implementing the Calls to Action

About This Topic

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a landmark process in Canada, providing a platform for residential school survivors to share their stories. This topic focuses on the TRC's 94 Calls to Action, which provide a roadmap for reconciliation across all sectors of society, including education, justice, health, and business. Students critically evaluate the progress made on these calls and the role of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Reconciliation is presented not as a final destination but as an ongoing process of building and maintaining respectful relationships. Students will reflect on their own responsibilities as citizens in a country with a colonial history. This topic comes alive when students can engage in a gallery walk of the Calls to Action and collaboratively brainstorm how to implement them in their own school or community.

Key Questions

1. What was the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
2. How are the Calls to Action being implemented across different sectors?
3. What is the role of non-Indigenous Canadians in the reconciliation process?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Reconciliation is just about saying 'sorry.'

What to Teach Instead

Reconciliation requires concrete action to change laws, policies, and social attitudes. A gallery walk of the Calls to Action helps students see the specific, practical changes that are required.

Common Misconception

The TRC was only for Indigenous people.

What to Teach Instead

The TRC was for all Canadians to learn the truth and participate in the reconciliation process. Peer discussion can help students identify their own role in this national journey.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk

The 94 Calls to Action

Students move through the room where different Calls to Action are posted, using stickers to indicate which ones they think are most urgent and which ones they see being implemented.

40 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle

Progress Report

Groups choose one sector (e.g., Justice or Education) and research what progress has been made on the relevant TRC Calls to Action since 2015, presenting their findings to the class.

60 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Personal Responsibility

Students reflect on one Call to Action that applies to them as individuals or students and discuss with a partner one concrete step they can take to support it.

25 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mandate of the TRC?

The TRC's mandate was to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools and to guide a process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

What is the 'National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation'?

It is a permanent archive at the University of Manitoba that houses the statements, documents, and other materials collected by the TRC to ensure that the history of residential schools is never forgotten.

How can active learning help students engage with the TRC?

Active learning turns the 94 Calls to Action from a list into a living document. By researching progress and brainstorming local applications, students move from passive observers to active participants in the reconciliation process.

How many of the 94 Calls to Action have been completed?

Progress is ongoing and varies by sector. Organizations like the Yellowhead Institute track this progress annually, showing that while some have been completed, many systemic changes are still required.