Ottawa, Ontario - Unceded Traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, issued the following statement to mark the 7th Anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report:
"Seven years ago today, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission held its closing event and issued its Final Report. It was a moment of historic significance. The 94 Calls to Action included in the report provided governments and all Canadians with a roadmap for the difficult and important work of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
This anniversary is a time to reflect on the progress we have made, but more importantly, a reminder that much more needs to be done. There can be no reconciliation without first recognizing and coming to terms with the truth, as these past years have so clearly demonstrated.
Since the identification of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Residential School, located on the traditional territory of the Tk'emlúps te Secwe̓pemc people, the Government of Canada has provided support to 93 communities for their searches, healing, and commemoration activities, in response to Calls to Action 74 to 76, and we will continue providing support as communities identify specific needs to bring their children home, the way they see fit. Some of this work will take time as the frustrating, painstaking and traumatizing work of searching for loved ones, and answers, continues.
During Pope Francis's visit in July, I had the privilege of speaking with many residential school Survivors to better understand the significance of their experience, and of the Pope's apology. I often entered these meetings prepared to hear of unspeakable pain, but was immediately disarmed by the warmth and kindness of Survivors. These stories are remarkable in their unique ability to make clear the horror and trauma of their experience while often highlighting one stunningly common unexpected conclusion: hope. From them, I find determination to both honour their experiences and work towards a brighter future and a better Canada. Implementing the 94 Calls to Action is the foundation of that future.
All Canadians and all orders of government have a role to play. The Government of Canada has progressed on implementing over 85 per cent of the Calls to Action under its shared or sole responsibility. I do acknowledge that this has been too slow. In the last year, however, we have reached a number of important milestones, such as funding the permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which will support Call to Action 72, and we are in the process of creating legislation to establish a National Council for Reconciliation, which will address and lay the foundation for the implementation of Calls to Action 53 to 56.
Today, I wish to thank the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the critical work they accomplished seven years ago, and the partners who continue to work with us to move it forward. Implementing the Calls to Action is a priority for our Government, as we work alongside Survivors, Elders, Indigenous communities and individuals, toward reconciliation in the best ways they see fit."
