(Toronto, Ont.–Oct. 30, 2025) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario released a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the Independent Special Interlocutor’s Final Report and the Indigenous-led Reparations Framework for Missing and Disappeared Children and Unmarked Burials associated with Indian Residential Schools to Survivors.
The final report represents the culmination of years of research and engagement with Survivors and Indigenous communities across the country. In addition to the Reparation Framework, it outlined 42 obligations for all governments and private institutions to guide tangible progress in reconciliation efforts related to Indian residential schools.
“The release of the Special Interlocutor’s final report was a milestone in Canada’s reconciliation journey. Through extensive engagement and research, the painful experiences faced by residential school Survivors were acknowledged, and clear paths forward were identified,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “With this invaluable resource as a guide, First Nations Leadership across Canada have the potential to make meaningful strides towards collective reconciliation.”
Despite the report’s detailed obligations for each level of government and related public and private institutions, few actions have been taken since its release. The Chiefs of Ontario is calling on all political leaders and administrators of institutions to acknowledge the significance of residential schools and this report, and to demonstrate concrete action that reflects this intention.
“The years of hard work by the Office of the Special Interlocutor cannot go in vain,” said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of Anishinabek Nation. “Much of the necessary planning has been done for Canada. It’s now time that we as a country shift into a phase of action. We’re calling on all levels of government to recognize the pain felt by Survivors and ensure their families and communities receive the adequate funding and action needed to support their healing journeys — and to receive the truth and reconciliation promised to them over a decade ago through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.”
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
-30-
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
