Content Warning: A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for Survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419. More resources are available through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program.

(Toronto – Ont. Dec 16, 2025) On the 10th Anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s Final Report and its 94 Calls to Action, the Chiefs of Ontario honour Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and renew their demand for urgent, measurable action from governments and institutions across Ontario and Canada.

A decade ago, Survivors courageously told the truth about the Indian Residential School system, exposing its violence, lasting intergenerational impacts, and the ongoing harms created by colonial policies. The TRC Final Report was not a symbolic exercise, it was a clear directive to transform these systems and replace them with approaches grounded in First Nations rights, laws, and self-determination.

“Survivors did their part. They spoke the truth about the horrors they endured, so that future generations would know, and so that Canada could act,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict. “Ten years later, governments and institutions have yet to follow through. Reconciliation cannot be delayed, ignored, or implemented halfway.’

Despite repeated commitments, many of the 94 Calls to Action remain unfulfilled. First Nations in Ontario continue to experience inequities in child welfare, education, justice, and housing, conditions the TRC explicitly identified as ongoing consequences of the residential school system.

The Chiefs of Ontario are also deeply concerned about the growing presence of Indian Residential School denialism, which undermines reconciliation and retraumatizes Survivors.

“Indian Residential School denialism is not a difference of opinions, it is an attack on Survivors, their families, and truth itself,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “It causes real harm and has no place in Ontario or anywhere in Canada. Reconciliation cannot exist where truth is denied.”

The Chiefs of Ontario call on the federal and Ontario governments to accelerate the implementation of all 94 Calls to Action, with clear timelines, accountability mechanisms, and sustained, long-term funding.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org