First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies · Grade 9 · Truth, Reconciliation, and the Future · 4.º Período

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

Studying the mandate, findings, and the 94 Calls to Action of the TRC.

TL;DR:The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a landmark process in Canadian history, aimed at uncovering the truth about the residential school system and laying the groundwork for a new relationship. This topic focuses on the TRC's mandate, its findings of 'cultural genocide,' and the 94 Calls to Action. Students will learn that reconciliation is not just a feel-good concept but a rigorous process that requires concrete changes in law, education, and social services. This aligns with Ontario's NAC1O expectations regarding the future of Indigenous-settler relations.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• NAC1O D1.1
• NAC1O D1.2

About This Topic

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a landmark process in Canadian history, aimed at uncovering the truth about the residential school system and laying the groundwork for a new relationship. This topic focuses on the TRC's mandate, its findings of 'cultural genocide,' and the 94 Calls to Action. Students will learn that reconciliation is not just a feel-good concept but a rigorous process that requires concrete changes in law, education, and social services. This aligns with Ontario's NAC1O expectations regarding the future of Indigenous-settler relations.

By analyzing specific Calls to Action, students identify how they can contribute to reconciliation in their own lives and communities. This topic is best explored through collaborative investigations where students 'adopt' a Call to Action and research its current status. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of why 'truth' must always precede 'reconciliation.'

Key Questions

1. What was the purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
2. Why is truth a necessary precursor to reconciliation?
3. How can the Calls to Action be implemented in daily life?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Reconciliation is just about saying 'sorry.'

What to Teach Instead

Reconciliation requires systemic change and the implementation of the 94 Calls to Action. A collaborative investigation into the progress of these calls helps students see that reconciliation is an active, ongoing, and often difficult process of policy change.

Common Misconception

The TRC was only for Indigenous people.

What to Teach Instead

The TRC was for all Canadians, as the history of residential schools is a Canadian history. Station rotations that include the '10 Principles of Reconciliation' help students understand that every person in Canada has a role in this process.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

Call to Action Tracker

In small groups, students choose one of the 94 Calls to Action (e.g., Education, Health, or Justice). They research what progress has been made by the government or relevant organizations and create a 'report card' to present to the class.

60 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Definition of Reconciliation

Students read the TRC's definition of reconciliation. They individually write down what they think is the biggest barrier to reconciliation today, then pair up to discuss how that barrier could be overcome through one of the Calls to Action.

20 min·Pairs

Stations Rotation

The TRC Findings

Set up stations with different types of 'truth' from the TRC: survivor quotes, statistical data, historical documents, and the 10 Principles of Reconciliation. Students rotate to collect evidence of why the commission concluded that cultural genocide occurred.

50 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 94 Calls to Action?

The 94 Calls to Action are specific recommendations made by the TRC to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. they cover a wide range of sectors, including child welfare, education, health, justice, and language. They are divided into 'Legacy' and 'Reconciliation' categories.

Why did the TRC use the term 'cultural genocide'?

The TRC used this term because the residential school system was a deliberate attempt by the government to destroy the structures and practices that allow a group to continue as a group. This included land dispossession, banning of languages, and the forced removal of children to prevent the transmission of cultural values.

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

Progress is ongoing and tracked by various organizations like the Yellowhead Institute. As of recent years, only a small fraction have been fully completed. This highlights the need for continued advocacy and public pressure, which is a key learning point for students in the Ontario curriculum.

How can active learning help students engage with the TRC?

The TRC reports are massive and can be daunting. Active learning strategies like 'adopting' a Call to Action make the work manageable and relevant. When students research the real-world progress of a specific recommendation, they move from being passive readers to active monitors of justice, which empowers them to see themselves as part of the reconciliation process.