January 18, 2021 – Ottawa, ON – Unceded Traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
The creation of a National Council for Reconciliation (NCR) as a national Indigenous-led oversight body is a vital milestone to implementing the Calls to Action from the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and in particular ensures the full implementation of Calls to Action 53-56. The NCR’s core mandate would be to ensure Government of Canada’s accountability for reconciling the relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Establishing the National Council for Reconciliation is one of the many actions that the Government of Canada is taking to advance reconciliation in Canada and is a clear priority of Indigenous partners.
Following their inaugural meeting on December 16, 2021, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is announcing that an Indigenous-led Transitional Committee has been established. The Committee has already begun their work through discussions on the vision for the Council, identified key milestones and timelines, as well as a proposed engagement approach.
The Committee will engage with various groups as well as provinces and territories on the legislative framework for the National Council for Reconciliation, and will provide advice and recommendations to the Minister. The Committee will set up the Council’s first Board of Directors, and establish the Council as an Indigenous-led, non-political organization, working to advance reconciliation.
