About Truth and Reconciliation
— The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was established to document the history and lasting impacts of the Indian Residential School system on Indigenous students and their families. The Commission's work has laid the foundation for meaningful reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
This site serves as a comprehensive resource to promote understanding, healing, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. We honour the survivors, remember those who didn't return home, and commit to ensuring Every Child Matters.
Reconciliation is not just about acknowledging past wrongs—it's about building a better future together, founded on respect, understanding, and genuine partnership between all peoples who call Canada home.
Government of Canada Resources
The Government of Canada has committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. Access official resources, progress reports, and government initiatives supporting reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Official TRC website with the final report, calls to action, and survivor testimonies.
Visit TRC Resources →Crown-Indigenous Relations
Government department leading reconciliation efforts and Indigenous relations.
Explore CIRNAC →National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Permanent archive of residential school records and survivor stories.
Visit NCTR →United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
Canada's implementation of UNDRIP and action plan.
Learn About UNDRIP →Indigenous Services Canada
Federal programs and services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Explore Services →Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
National Inquiry findings and calls for justice.
Read the Report →Indigenous Organizations and Resources
Connect with Indigenous-led organizations working toward healing, cultural preservation, and community empowerment across Canada.
Assembly of First Nations
National advocacy organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
Visit AFN →Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
National representational organization protecting Inuit rights and interests.
Explore ITK →Métis National Council
Government of the Métis Nation representing Métis communities nationwide.
Learn About MNC →Native Women's Association of Canada
Advocacy for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Visit NWAC →Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
Voice for off-reserve Indigenous peoples and Métis communities.
Explore CAP →Indigenous Leadership Development Institute
Building Indigenous leadership capacity and governance excellence.
Discover ILDI →Education and Learning Resources
Educational materials, curricula, and resources for learners of all ages to understand Indigenous history, culture, and the path to reconciliation.
Every Child Matters
The phrase "Every Child Matters" emerged from the residential school survivor community to honour all children who attended residential schools—those who survived and those who never made it home. It serves as a powerful reminder that every child deserves to be valued, protected, and loved.
This movement emphasises that Indigenous children's lives matter, their cultures matter, their languages matter, and their futures matter. It's a call to action to ensure that no child experiences the trauma and cultural loss that residential school students endured.
4 Seasons of Reconciliation
Educational resources and lesson plans for teachers and students.
Access Resources →Facing History and Ourselves
Teaching resources about residential schools and Indigenous experiences.
Explore Materials →Indigenous Education Resources
Provincial and territorial Indigenous education initiatives and curricula.
Find Your Province →National Film Board Indigenous Cinema
Documentary films and educational content by Indigenous filmmakers.
Watch Films →Kairos Blanket Exercise
Interactive learning experience about Indigenous history in Canada.
Learn More →Truth and Reconciliation in British Columbia
British Columbia has taken significant steps toward reconciliation, becoming the first province in Canada to enshrine the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in provincial law. September 30th is now a statutory holiday in BC, ensuring more British Columbians can participate in Truth and Reconciliation activities.
BC's Leadership in Reconciliation
In 2019, British Columbia made history by passing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to formally adopt the internationally recognised standards of the UN Declaration through legislation. In March 2023, BC passed legislation making September 30th a statutory holiday, joining Canada, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and the territories in recognising the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Current BC Initiatives
The province is actively engaged in numerous reconciliation initiatives, from government-to-government relationships to economic partnerships and land stewardship agreements.
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Leading BC's government in pursuing reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous peoples.
Explore Ministry →BC Assembly of First Nations
Representing First Nations in British Columbia and supporting Truth and Reconciliation efforts.
Visit BCAFN →BC Reconciliation Award
Annual recognition of individuals and organisations furthering reconciliation in BC.
Learn About Awards →First Nations Treaty Negotiations
Ongoing treaty negotiations and reconciliation agreements across the province.
Follow Progress →BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative
$140 million investment supporting Indigenous-led power projects and economic opportunities.
Discover Projects →Great Bear Rainforest Co-Management
Partnership between BC and Coastal First Nations protecting one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.
Learn More →Recent BC Developments
2025 Cabinet and First Nations Leaders' Gathering: Over 1,000 people representing more than 200 First Nations gathered in January 2025 for the ninth BC Cabinet and First Nations Leaders' Gathering, with more than 1,300 one-on-one meetings scheduled to advance government-to-government relationships.
Northwestern BC Land-Use Planning: The Province is partnering with Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga'a Nations on land-use planning in northwestern BC, combining economic growth, reconciliation and conservation.
25th Anniversary of Nisga'a Treaty: The Nisga'a Nation and governments of Canada and British Columbia commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Nisga'a Final Agreement as a major milestone on the path of reconciliation.
Recent News and Developments
Stay informed about the latest developments in Truth and Reconciliation across Canada. These recent stories highlight both progress and ongoing challenges in the journey toward meaningful reconciliation.
Governor General Reflects on 10 Years of Truth and Reconciliation
Governor General Mary Simon reflects on progress since the TRC report: "We are past the stage of mere awareness. Canadians are shifting from learning to action" - February 2025
Read Full Statement →2025 Imagine a Canada Youth Honourees Announced
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation announced 31 exceptional youth projects from across Canada, including 15 art and essay projects and 16 reconciliation projects - May 2025
Meet the Honourees →Progress Assessment: Only 14-16% of Calls to Action Fully Implemented
A decade after the TRC report, analysis shows only 13 to 15 of the 94 Calls to Action have been fully implemented - an overall success rate of just 14-16% - June 2025
Read Analysis →Indigenous Economic Reconciliation Report
RBC's new report highlights economic partnerships like the Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline's Cedar LNG project in Kitimat, BC - a $4-billion facility that will generate $85 million in GDP annually - May 2025
Explore Economic Reconciliation →BC's 2025 Reconciliation Award Program
The BC Reconciliation Award recognises individuals, groups and organisations demonstrating exceptional leadership in furthering the TRC's Calls to Action. Nominations deadline: February 15, 2025
Learn About Nominations →Truth and Reconciliation Events Across BC
Upcoming events include National Indigenous History Month celebrations, film screenings, and community gatherings across Metro Vancouver and BC - Ongoing 2025
Find Local Events →Key Themes in Recent News
Shifting from Awareness to Action: Leaders emphasise that Canada has moved "past the stage of mere awareness" and Canadians are "shifting from learning to action" in reconciliation efforts.
Youth Leadership: Young people across Canada are leading reconciliation initiatives through programs like Imagine a Canada, showing the next generation's commitment to change.
Economic Partnerships: Indigenous-led economic projects are creating billions in investment opportunities while advancing reconciliation through meaningful partnerships.
Implementation Challenges: Despite progress, significant work remains with most of the TRC's 94 Calls to Action still requiring full implementation.
Orange Shirt Day - September 30th
Orange Shirt Day honours residential school survivors and victims, and promotes the ongoing journey of reconciliation. The day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad's experience of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school.
Ways to Participate:
• Wear orange to show your support and solidarity
• Learn about residential school history and impacts
• Listen to survivor stories with respect and openness
• Support Indigenous-led reconciliation initiatives
• Engage in meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation
• Attend local Orange Shirt Day events and ceremonies
Take Action for Reconciliation
Reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires active participation from all Canadians. Here are meaningful ways you can contribute to this important journey.
Individual Actions
Start your reconciliation journey with personal learning and reflection. Read books by Indigenous authors, learn about the traditional territories you live on, and challenge your own assumptions and biases.
Community Engagement
Support Indigenous businesses, attend cultural events, and participate in local reconciliation initiatives. Building relationships and understanding in your community creates lasting change.
Advocacy and Support
Use your voice to advocate for Indigenous rights, support policy changes that advance reconciliation, and hold institutions accountable for implementing the TRC's Calls to Action.
Reconciliation Canada
National charity promoting reconciliation dialogue and engagement.
Get Involved →Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Discover authentic Indigenous experiences and support Indigenous businesses.
Explore Experiences →Imagine a Canada
Resources for learning about Indigenous peoples and reconciliation.
Start Learning →Beyond 94
Track progress on implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls.
Monitor Progress →Would you like to support this site or contribute content?
Please contact: info@1-bc.ca