There is a concern with the slow response to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Commission put forward 94 Calls to Action five years ago after an extensive review of Canada’s residential school system.
Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild says there have been some worrying signs since.
“We see, for example, efforts to roll back the progress made in public school curriculum in Alberta and Ontario. This is not only a barrier to reconciliation. It’s also an attack on the truth,” says Littlechild.
Commissioners are also concerned about provincial foot-dragging on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Commissioner Dr. Marie Wilson says all levels of government need to do more.
“Reconciliation belongs to all Canadians and is a Canadian issue, not an Indigenous issue. So while there may be a head start and understanding their needs to be action everywhere,” says Wilson.
Wilson adds there coming together for the first time in five years this is not an anniversary for celebration but one for National honesty and urgent and meaningful action.
