The Current

How non-indigenous allies can help make TRC recommendations a reality

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's work may be done, but now the real job begins. Reconciliation, dialogue, coming together is hard but essential work for this country's future. Today we look at what allies need to do to implement the TRC recommendations.
Commissioner Justice Murray Sinclair, Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild and Commissioner Marie Wilson (right to left) listen to a speaker as the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation commission is released, Dec. 15, 2015 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
"Reconciliation is not an aboriginal problem. It is a Canadian problem. It involves all of us."- Justice Murray Sinclair, delivering the TRC's Final Report

When it comes to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their place in Canadian society, 2015 was a watershed year.

Commissioner Justice Murray Sinclair (right), Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild and Commissioner Marie Wilson with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after presenting him with a copy of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation commission, December 15, 2015 in Ottawa. (CP/Adrian Wyld)

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission finished its work, and released its 94 calls to actions.

Now, the arrival of a new year, means the time has come to try to put them into effect.

The Current: Carolyn Bennett pledges better education for First Nations

"I would hope that we would see that reconciliation reflected in those non-indigenous Canadians in a clear way. I don't think you can be a citizen in this country without some tiny approach to eliminating the ignorance that we all had  because it wasn't taught to us in school."- Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs on

Today our guests have strong interests for all Canadians to "work together" and make the TRC recommendations a reality.

  • Marie Wilson was one of the three Commissioners of the TRC.  She was in Yellowknife.     
  • Hayden King is director of the Centre for Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University in Toronto.
     

This segment was produced by The Current's Ines Colabrese.