(Toronto – June 2, 2020) On June 2, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released 94 Calls to Action on priorities aimed at reconciling the impacts the Indian Residential Schools had on First Nations across Canada. To mark the fifth anniversary of the release, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald is calling for the full implementation of the remaining Calls to Action and encouraging everyone to work in unity towards this end.

“Over the past five years, some might say that positive steps have been taken in the direction of reconciliation between the Crown and Indigenous communities in Canada. However, there is a lot of hard work that is still required to be done and much more to be accomplished.

It is difficult to get a true sense of where we are, as a country, with respect to the implementation of the 94 Calls to Action, as the federal government does not make it easy to ascertain what has been accomplished or is underway through their online site entitled Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Other online sources such as the CBC’s Beyond 94, a collection and summary of Canada’s ongoing implementation of the TRC’s Calls to Action, reported that as of May 2020, only ten (10)  Calls to Action have been implemented, with 21 projects underway and 39 proposed, with 24 left yet to be addressed.

We have to do better if we are to fully implement the Calls to Action. The absence of a concrete action plan will only lead to a path of unfinished work and the measured success of the status quo. Let’s get back on the right path towards the full implementation of the Calls to Action.

First Nations have continuously been put in disadvantaged positions due to the mistreatment by governments over the years and, subsequently, by society. These Calls to Action represent accountability and are about building an understanding of our shared history and listening to the truth and finding solutions to complex issues of inequality.

I’m concerned that the lack of action on the TRC report could be a subtle way to deny history. Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is the responsibility of all, and these Calls to Action can no longer go unanswered, we need our voices to be heard and our future generation can no longer be ignored.”

To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald is encouraging all Canadians to educate themselves and learn more about the TRC’s Calls to Action and how we can work together to change policies and programs to repair the harm caused by residential schools and move forward with reconciliation.

“In honour of those who bravely gave their testimony and shared their experiences during their time within Canada’s residential school system, I encourage all to reflect on the legacy left behind and remember the survivors and those we have lost.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has shown many of us that we are all in this together. We are all working to keep each other safe and healthy in the face of illness. We know that Canadians can come together, so I ask that we keep this energy as we work toward actualizing all of the 94 Calls to Action. We are stronger together.”

Ninanaskamon!

Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald

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The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow the Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.

Chiefs of Ontario – Media Contact:
Genna Benson
Communications Officer
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org