Addressing Canada’s Historical Injustice Toward Indigenous Peoples

Forward

I want to begin by acknowledging that I do not claim to be an expert on the complex and deeply important subject of Indigenous peoples’ history and the injustices they have faced. I am, more or less, a retired person who has always had a deep interest in history and social justice, particularly because of my own heritage, which is tied to Black ancestry. While I have not personally experienced the injustices my ancestors faced, I have always been profoundly aware of the generational impact of such wrongs. This personal connection has sparked my interest in understanding the challenges faced by other marginalized groups, particularly Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

In writing this paper, I have done a fair amount of research to understand the injustices inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, both historically and in modern times. I’ve also utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in generating some of the images included here, including depictions of Indigenous peoples. Please forgive me if any of these images, particularly in terms of traditional clothing or cultural representation, are not entirely accurate—I aimed to create visuals that would help convey the overall message, but I recognize that they may not perfectly reflect the details of Indigenous traditions.

The point of this paper is not to claim authority but to spark conversation and reflection. My goal is to emphasize that, as a country, we must do more. The injustices faced by Indigenous peoples are not just a matter of history; they are ongoing, and it is our collective responsibility to address them. I hope that my research and perspective, however imperfect, can contribute to the broader effort of reconciliation and justice. I welcome any corrections or additions from those more knowledgeable, and I hope that the central message remains clear: Canada must take stronger, more meaningful steps to right these wrongs.

White Paper: Redressing Canada’s Historical Injustice Toward Indigenous Peoples

Introduction: Canada’s Unresolved Historical Injustice

Canada prides itself on being a beacon of justice, actively confronting tyranny abroad and championing human rights. Yet, within our own borders, there remains an unresolved injustice — a dark chapter in our history that lingers to this day. This injustice centers on the systemic oppression, broken promises, and cultural suppression endured by the very people who were the original stewards of this land: Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

What transpired during the colonization of Indigenous lands in Canada could, in some ways, be viewed as more harmful than an outright war. While war, though brutal, can allow for resistance, agency, and a clear endpoint, the legal agreements and assimilation policies imposed on Indigenous peoples were marked by deception and coercion. Rather than an honorable fight, Indigenous nations were slowly stripped of their land, culture, and dignity through unjust agreements and oppressive policies.

The Harms of Colonization: Worse Than War?

One might argue that the passive and systemic nature of colonization was even worse than an all-out war. Had Indigenous nations faced an open conflict, there may have been an opportunity to maintain their cultural identity and self-respect in defeat. Instead, they were coerced into agreements and subjected to laws like the Indian Act, which reduced them to wards of the state and stripped them of their autonomy. This process, marked by broken treaties and forced assimilation, amounted to a slow and painful erosion of their identity.

The role of the church, particularly in the operation of residential schools, adds another layer of this profound injustice. The physical, emotional, and cultural abuse that took place in these institutions, where children were forced to abandon their language, faith, and customs, represents nothing short of a war crime. Canada, which has often condemned other nations for similar atrocities, must reckon with the fact that these crimes occurred on our own soil — with lasting consequences that still plague Indigenous communities today.

Reconciliation Is Not Enough: More Must Be Done

While Canada has made some strides toward reconciliation, much more needs to be done. Our nation cannot simply rely on symbolic gestures or financial compensations alone. What is needed is a comprehensive plan that restores not just the lands and resources that were taken, but also the pride, dignity, and empowerment of Indigenous peoples.

True reconciliation requires recognizing the systemic harm done and addressing the fact that Indigenous communities were once proud stewards of the land. Their downfall came not from a lack of strength but from a fundamental difference in worldview. While Indigenous peoples saw themselves as caretakers of the land, colonial settlers viewed ownership as tied to cultivation and development. This clash of values allowed settlers to justify taking what did not belong to them, leading to the erosion of Indigenous sovereignty and self-respect.

The Unspoken Crimes: Acknowledging the Severity of the Injustices

The crimes committed against Indigenous peoples, both by the church and the state, can only be described as deeply shameful — acts that, in any other context, might be considered war crimes. The forced removal of children from their families, the suppression of Indigenous languages and cultures, and the physical and emotional abuse suffered by generations of Indigenous peoples were not just violations of individual rights, but of entire nations.

Canada, a country that has often been vocal in condemning human rights violations abroad, must now confront its own hypocrisy. We have criticized other nations for atrocities, yet we have been slow to acknowledge the crimes committed within our borders. The abuses carried out in residential schools, often under the guise of religious education, have left an indelible stain on our national conscience. It is no longer enough to issue apologies — we must recognize these actions for what they were: calculated, systemic violations of Indigenous people’s humanity.

Compensation Is Only the Beginning: Moving Beyond Financial Restitution

No amount of money can undo the damage that has been done. The trauma inflicted on Indigenous peoples is intergenerational, affecting not only those who survived the residential schools but also their descendants, who continue to live with the consequences of that cultural and emotional dislocation. While financial compensation has been part of Canada’s reconciliation efforts, this alone will not heal the wounds.

Compensation must go beyond monetary reparations. It is essential that Canada restores the pride, dignity, and empowerment of Indigenous peoples, ensuring they are not seen as victims dependent on government handouts, but as valued, contributing members of society. This requires systemic changes, including:

• Land Restitution: Indigenous communities must regain control of their ancestral lands. Land is more than a resource; it is central to cultural identity and self-determination. Without the ability to govern their own lands, any attempt at reconciliation will remain incomplete.
• Cultural Revitalization: Canada must support Indigenous-led initiatives to restore languages, traditions, and cultural practices. These efforts are key to rebuilding the pride and identity that colonization sought to erase.
• Empowerment through Governance: Indigenous communities must be given full authority to govern themselves, free from the paternalistic structures of the Indian Act. Only through self-governance can Indigenous nations regain control over their future.

Restoring Dignity: More Than Just Words

Restoration of dignity is essential. For hundreds of years, Indigenous peoples have been viewed through a colonial lens — as obstacles to progress, or as dependents needing aid. This perception must be dismantled. Indigenous people must be recognized as highly valued Canadians, whose contributions and stewardship of the land were integral to the development of this country.

To achieve this, we must rethink how we engage with Indigenous communities. Reconciliation should not be seen as a one-sided process of giving aid but as an ongoing partnership that empowers Indigenous peoples to determine their path forward. This requires not just financial investment but a commitment to mutual respect, recognition of rights, and a genuine effort to correct the historical narrative.

Restoring Land and Sovereignty: Reclaiming What Was Lost

1. Land Restitution:
   • Focus on returning Crown land to Indigenous stewardship.
   • Implement mechanisms to resolve land claims more efficiently, with Indigenous peoples having meaningful control over land use and development.
   • Highlight co-management strategies for natural resources, ensuring Indigenous nations have both the authority and the means to protect their traditional lands from environmental degradation.
2. Self-Governance:
   • Propose the gradual dismantling of the Indian Act in consultation with Indigenous leaders.
   • Outline how to build self-governance agreements that respect Indigenous laws and customs, allowing communities to control their own affairs and resources.
   • Detail steps for capacity-building within Indigenous nations to restore traditional governance structures and leadership models.

Economic Justice: Promoting Long-Term Sustainability

1. Equitable Economic Partnerships:
   • Establish fair revenue-sharing agreements for resource extraction on Indigenous lands.
   • Empower Indigenous communities through investment in sustainable development initiatives, aligning with traditional values and practices.
2. Support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs:
   • Provide targeted economic support for Indigenous-owned businesses, allowing them to flourish and drive local economies.
   • Invest in training programs for Indigenous youth, creating pathways for entrepreneurship, skills development, and leadership opportunities.

Cultural and Educational Revitalization: Rebuilding What Was Taken

Healing from Trauma: Addressing the Legacy of Residential Schools

1. Mental Health and Community Support:
   • Invest in mental health services tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities, incorporating both modern and traditional healing practices.
   • Establish more healing centers and programs aimed at addressing the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools and forced assimilation.
2. Family Reunification and Child Welfare Reform:
   • Reform the child welfare system to prioritize keeping Indigenous children within their communities and cultures, ending the harmful legacy of family separation.
   • Support family reunification programs, providing resources and counseling to heal fractured families.

Restoring Land and Sovereignty: Reclaiming What Was Lost

The relationship between Indigenous peoples and their land is not only a matter of ownership but also one of cultural, spiritual, and social identity. Land is central to Indigenous ways of life, representing more than just a resource—it is a living entity that sustains and connects communities across generations. To achieve true reconciliation, Canada must prioritize restoring Indigenous land rights, ensuring that Indigenous nations can once again steward and govern their lands.

1. Returning Crown Lands to Indigenous Stewardship

The process of returning Crown land to Indigenous control must be a cornerstone of any reconciliation effort. For centuries, vast tracts of Indigenous land have been either taken through unjust treaties or outright seized without consent. Today, much of that land remains under Crown control or has been leased for resource extraction.

To address this, Canada must:

• Implement a Fair and Transparent Land Restitution Process: The federal government should streamline the land claims process to ensure that outstanding land grievances are resolved swiftly and justly. This includes honoring historic treaties and renegotiating agreements where Indigenous peoples were misled or coerced into surrendering their lands.
• Return Crown Lands to Indigenous Communities: In line with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Canada should commit to returning Crown lands to Indigenous nations where feasible. In cases where full land return is not possible, the government must establish fair compensation and revenue-sharing agreements that prioritize Indigenous benefit from the resources extracted from their lands.

2. Co-Management of Natural Resources

Indigenous nations have long practiced sustainable land management, ensuring the health of ecosystems while meeting their community needs. As environmental challenges like climate change and resource depletion become increasingly urgent, it is crucial that Indigenous knowledge and stewardship play a central role in land management.

To achieve this, Canada should:

• Establish Co-Management Agreements: Indigenous nations should be granted co-management authority over natural resources on their traditional lands, ensuring that they have a direct say in how resources are developed and used. These agreements must provide Indigenous nations with veto power over projects that could harm the environment or violate their rights.
• Create Indigenous-Led Conservation Initiatives: Indigenous peoples must be supported in leading conservation efforts, with federal funding directed towards projects that align with Indigenous values of environmental protection. These initiatives should empower Indigenous communities to preserve ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and manage resources in ways that honor traditional knowledge.

3. Sovereignty Over Land Use Decisions

Restoring land rights is not only about returning physical territory but also about recognizing the sovereignty of Indigenous nations to make decisions about land use, development, and conservation.

To support Indigenous sovereignty, Canada should:

• Recognize Indigenous Governance Over Land: Indigenous nations must have the authority to govern their lands without interference from the federal or provincial governments. This includes making decisions about natural resource projects, land development, and community planning in line with their cultural, social, and environmental priorities.
• Support Economic Empowerment Through Land Use: Indigenous communities should have the ability to develop economic initiatives on their lands, including eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and resource management projects. Federal programs should prioritize funding for Indigenous-led economic development that aligns with traditional practices and community goals.

4. Honoring Treaty Rights

Many of the historic treaties between Indigenous peoples and the Crown were violated almost immediately after they were signed, with promises of land protection and shared resources broken. A key part of reconciliation is the full acknowledgment and enforcement of these treaties.

• Enforce and Honor Treaties: Canada must commit to upholding the terms of the treaties that were made in good faith with Indigenous nations. This includes providing compensation for violations of these treaties and restoring lands that were taken without consent.
• Renegotiate Treaties in Good Faith: Where treaties were unjustly negotiated or misinterpreted, Canada must engage in good faith negotiations with Indigenous nations to update or replace these agreements, ensuring that Indigenous sovereignty and rights are fully respected.

Conclusion: Land as the Foundation of Reconciliation

Restoring land rights and sovereignty is more than just a gesture of goodwill—it is the foundation upon which true reconciliation can be built. Without control over their lands, Indigenous nations cannot fully exercise their rights to self-determination or maintain their cultural heritage. The return of land and the recognition of Indigenous governance over that land will empower Indigenous communities to not only heal from the past but also thrive in the future.

As we move forward, Canada must honor its commitments and work collaboratively with Indigenous peoples to ensure that the legacy of colonialism does not continue to shape their futures. Only by restoring land and sovereignty can we hope to achieve genuine reconciliation.

Economic Justice: Building Sustainable Futures for Indigenous Peoples

True reconciliation cannot be achieved without addressing the economic inequalities that have long plagued Indigenous communities in Canada. For generations, Indigenous peoples have been marginalized from the country’s economic systems, largely excluded from the wealth generated from their own lands and resources. The consequences of colonization—dispossession, displacement, and systemic exclusion—have created deep-rooted poverty and a lack of economic opportunity in many Indigenous communities.

Economic justice is key to empowering Indigenous peoples to rebuild their communities, achieve self-sufficiency, and reclaim their rightful place as leaders in Canada’s economic landscape. This requires a shift from viewing Indigenous peoples as recipients of aid to seeing them as partners and leaders in sustainable economic development. It also requires recognizing that the prosperity of Indigenous nations is essential to the overall health and success of Canada as a whole.

1. Equitable Revenue-Sharing Agreements

One of the most effective ways to foster long-term economic empowerment for Indigenous peoples is through revenue-sharing agreements related to natural resource extraction. Historically, Indigenous lands have been exploited for resources like oil, gas, timber, and minerals, with little benefit going to the Indigenous communities that rightfully own the land.

To correct this injustice, Canada should:

• Negotiate Fair Revenue-Sharing Agreements: Indigenous nations must be full participants in negotiations over resource extraction on their lands. These agreements should ensure that a fair portion of the profits from natural resource projects flows directly into Indigenous communities, supporting economic development and infrastructure improvements.
• Prioritize Indigenous Employment in Resource Projects: Any resource development on Indigenous land should prioritize the hiring and training of Indigenous workers. This not only ensures that Indigenous people benefit from job opportunities but also builds skills and capacity within their communities.

2. Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Economic justice must also include fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship and creating conditions where Indigenous businesses can thrive. Indigenous-led businesses have the potential to drive local economies, create jobs, and build wealth within communities.

To promote Indigenous entrepreneurship, Canada should:

• Provide Targeted Funding for Indigenous Businesses: Indigenous entrepreneurs face unique barriers, including a lack of access to capital and financial services. The federal government should establish funding programs specifically aimed at supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, providing start-up grants, low-interest loans, and business mentorship programs.
• Create Training and Development Programs: Investing in skills development for Indigenous entrepreneurs and workers is key to fostering sustainable economic growth. Programs focused on leadership training, business management, and technical skills should be made widely accessible to Indigenous communities, particularly young people.
• Support Indigenous-Controlled Economic Development Corporations: Many Indigenous nations have established economic development corporations (EDCs) to manage community-owned businesses and invest in local economies. The federal government should continue to support these EDCs with technical assistance and financial support, allowing them to expand and take on larger, more impactful projects.

3. Sustainable Development: Aligning Growth with Traditional Values

Economic development in Indigenous communities must not come at the expense of environmental stewardship or cultural preservation. For many Indigenous nations, the land and its natural resources are sacred, and development must be done in a way that aligns with their traditional values of sustainability and respect for the environment.

To promote sustainable development, Canada should:

• Support Eco-Friendly Industries: Indigenous communities should be empowered to lead in industries that align with their cultural values, such as eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. Federal funding and resources should be directed towards projects that support long-term sustainability rather than short-term resource extraction.
• Encourage Indigenous-Led Environmental Protection Initiatives: Indigenous nations should have the authority to manage their traditional territories in a way that prioritizes environmental protection. This could include establishing Indigenous-protected conservation areas, where traditional knowledge and modern environmental science work hand-in-hand to preserve ecosystems and biodiversity.

4. Investing in Infrastructure and Essential Services

One of the most significant barriers to economic development in Indigenous communities is the lack of basic infrastructure. Many Indigenous communities, particularly in remote or northern regions, face challenges related to housing, clean water, electricity, and internet access. Without this basic infrastructure, economic development is severely limited.

To address this, Canada should:

• Accelerate Investments in Critical Infrastructure: The federal government must prioritize investments in infrastructure in Indigenous communities. This includes building roads, expanding access to clean drinking water, improving housing, and ensuring reliable access to electricity and the internet.
• Create Indigenous-Led Infrastructure Projects: Where possible, infrastructure development projects should be led by Indigenous communities themselves, providing employment and capacity-building opportunities. These projects should focus on long-term sustainability and be tailored to the specific needs of each community.

Conclusion: Economic Empowerment Is Essential to Reconciliation

Economic justice is about more than just financial compensation; it’s about providing Indigenous communities with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Through fair revenue-sharing, support for Indigenous entrepreneurship, and investments in sustainable development, Canada can begin to address the deep economic disparities that have held back Indigenous peoples for far too long.

Empowering Indigenous nations to control their economic futures is not only a matter of justice but also a way to ensure the long-term prosperity of Canada as a whole. A nation cannot thrive while leaving entire communities behind. True reconciliation means building a future where Indigenous peoples are not just surviving but leading in every aspect of economic life—on their own terms and in line with their own values.

Cultural and Educational Revitalization: Restoring Identity and Pride

Cultural and educational revitalization is central to restoring the dignity, pride, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples in Canada. For centuries, colonial policies sought to systematically erase Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, with devastating consequences. Residential schools, forced conversions, and assimilation efforts left deep scars that continue to impact Indigenous communities today. Reviving Indigenous cultures and ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to learn, practice, and pass on their heritage is key to healing and reconciliation.

To support this revival, Canada must take bold steps in promoting Indigenous-led education, language preservation, and cultural resurgence.

1. Language Preservation and Revitalization

Indigenous languages are the foundation of cultural identity, carrying within them the worldview, values, and wisdom of each nation. Yet, many Indigenous languages in Canada are on the brink of extinction due to decades of forced assimilation policies. The loss of language means the loss of a vital connection to culture and heritage.

To restore this connection, Canada should:

• Fund Indigenous-Led Language Programs: Language revitalization must be a priority. Canada should provide long-term funding to Indigenous-led initiatives aimed at preserving and teaching Indigenous languages, including the creation of immersion programs, language schools, and community-based education.
• Incorporate Indigenous Languages into Public Education: Indigenous languages should not be confined to Indigenous communities alone. Public schools in regions with high Indigenous populations should offer courses in local Indigenous languages, helping both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students learn and appreciate these languages.
• Support Language Preservation Through Technology: In today’s digital world, technology can play a critical role in preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages. Canada should support the development of online platforms, mobile apps, and other digital tools that make learning Indigenous languages accessible and engaging.

2. Cultural Education and Reconnection

Indigenous cultures have survived in spite of concerted efforts to suppress them, but many communities are now working to reconnect with their traditions and pass them on to the next generation. Cultural education is essential to rebuilding the self-confidence and identity of Indigenous peoples, particularly for youth who have been disconnected from their heritage.

Canada should:

• Establish Cultural Education Centers: Indigenous communities should be supported in creating cultural centers where traditions, arts, and knowledge are taught and practiced. These centers would serve as places for youth to learn their community’s history, traditional practices, and values, offering a tangible link to their ancestry.
• Fund Cultural Programming in Schools: Educational curricula across the country must include Indigenous histories, perspectives, and cultural teachings. Indigenous teachers and elders should be actively involved in the development and delivery of these programs to ensure they accurately reflect Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Support Traditional Practices and Spirituality: Many Indigenous communities practice forms of spirituality tied to the land and their ancestors. Canada should recognize and support these practices by ensuring that Indigenous peoples have access to their sacred sites and are able to practice their ceremonies and traditions without interference.

3. Reforming the National Education System

The national education system plays a critical role in shaping how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people understand each other. Unfortunately, the current system often fails to accurately reflect the realities of Indigenous histories and cultures, perpetuating ignorance and prejudice. Comprehensive education reform is needed to ensure that all Canadians are taught the true history of colonization and its impacts on Indigenous peoples, while also promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.

To reform the education system, Canada should:

• Mandate Indigenous History and Perspectives in the National Curriculum: Every Canadian student should learn about the history of Indigenous peoples, including the impacts of colonization, residential schools, and broken treaties. The curriculum should also highlight Indigenous contributions to Canadian society and showcase the resilience and strength of Indigenous cultures.
• Support Indigenous-Led Schools: Indigenous communities should have the ability to run their own schools, where education is guided by Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and teaching methods. The federal government must provide funding and resources to establish and maintain these schools, ensuring they are not disadvantaged compared to other educational institutions.
• Create Scholarship Programs for Indigenous Youth: To address the gap in higher education access, Canada should create more scholarships and mentorship programs specifically for Indigenous students. This would provide financial support, opportunities for professional development, and access to networks that can help Indigenous youth pursue post-secondary education and careers.

4. Supporting Artistic and Cultural Expression

Art, music, storytelling, and other forms of cultural expression are vital to the identity and healing of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous artists and creators play an important role in preserving their cultures, challenging colonial narratives, and sharing their stories with the broader public.

To foster cultural expression, Canada should:

• Provide Grants for Indigenous Artists: Indigenous artists should be supported through grants and funding programs that allow them to create, exhibit, and share their work. Art not only helps preserve Indigenous cultures but also provides a platform for telling stories that challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.
• Promote Indigenous Cultural Events: Canada should support Indigenous cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and performances that showcase the richness of Indigenous cultures. These events should be celebrated as part of the national cultural landscape, helping to educate non-Indigenous Canadians and fostering pride in Indigenous communities.
• Preserve Oral Histories: Indigenous cultures are rich in oral traditions, where knowledge and history are passed down through stories. Canada must support the preservation of these oral histories by funding programs that record and archive these stories for future generations.

Conclusion: Rebuilding Cultural Foundations

Revitalizing Indigenous cultures and languages is about more than reclaiming the past—it’s about building a future where Indigenous peoples can thrive with a strong sense of identity and pride. Canada has a responsibility to support this revival through investments in language programs, cultural education, and artistic expression. These efforts will help heal the wounds of colonialism, empower future generations of Indigenous peoples, and foster a nation where all cultures are respected and celebrated.

By prioritizing cultural and educational revitalization, Canada can create the conditions for Indigenous communities to reconnect with their heritage, rebuild their identities, and strengthen their roles in the social and cultural fabric of the country.

Healing and Justice: Addressing Intergenerational Trauma

No discussion of reconciliation can be complete without acknowledging the deep, intergenerational trauma caused by colonial policies such as residential schools, forced assimilation, and the Sixties Scoop. These policies have left scars that persist across generations, contributing to ongoing cycles of poverty, addiction, mental health crises, and family fragmentation within Indigenous communities. Healing these wounds is a crucial part of reconciliation, requiring sustained support for mental health services, community-led healing programs, and reforms to systems that continue to harm Indigenous families, such as child welfare.

1. Healing from the Legacy of Residential Schools

The residential school system, which operated for more than a century, was not just an educational failure but a deliberate effort to “kill the Indian in the child.” Generations of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families, subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and stripped of their language, culture, and identity. The trauma experienced by these children did not end when the schools closed; it was passed down to their descendants, creating a cycle of pain that persists today.

To support survivors and their families, Canada must:

• Fully Implement the TRC’s Calls to Action: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued 94 Calls to Action, many of which are focused on addressing the legacy of residential schools. Canada must commit to fully implementing these recommendations, particularly those related to education, healing, and commemoration.
• Expand Access to Mental Health Services: Indigenous survivors of residential schools and their descendants require culturally appropriate mental health care. Canada should increase funding for Indigenous-led mental health services that incorporate traditional healing practices alongside modern therapeutic approaches. Healing centers should be established in every region, providing safe spaces for individuals and families to heal from trauma.
• Create Community-Led Healing Programs: Healing must be a community-driven process. Indigenous communities should be supported in developing and delivering their own healing programs, focusing on traditional knowledge, spirituality, and cultural practices. These programs should address not only the direct trauma of residential schools but also the intergenerational impacts of this trauma on families and communities.

2. Reforming the Child Welfare System

The child welfare system in Canada continues to disproportionately affect Indigenous families. Today, more Indigenous children are in state care than were ever placed in residential schools, often due to systemic issues such as poverty, addiction, and lack of access to services. The removal of Indigenous children from their families perpetuates the same cycles of family disruption and cultural disconnection that began with residential schools.

To break this cycle, Canada must:

• Prioritize Family Reunification: Indigenous children should only be removed from their families as a last resort. Canada must reform its child welfare policies to prioritize keeping children within their families and communities. Indigenous-led child welfare agencies should be given full authority to make decisions about the care of Indigenous children, ensuring that cultural connections are maintained.
• Provide Support for At-Risk Families: Many of the issues that lead to the removal of Indigenous children—poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges—are direct legacies of colonial policies. Rather than removing children, the government should focus on providing support to families to address these root causes. This includes access to addiction treatment, mental health care, housing support, and parenting programs.
• Fund Culturally Appropriate Child Welfare Services: Indigenous communities must be empowered to run their own child welfare services, guided by their traditions, values, and kinship systems. These services should focus on keeping children within their communities, ensuring that they grow up connected to their culture, language, and family networks.

3. Addressing Intergenerational Trauma

The trauma experienced by residential school survivors, coupled with the ongoing impact of colonial policies, has created widespread intergenerational trauma in Indigenous communities. This trauma manifests in high rates of addiction, suicide, violence, and mental health challenges. Healing this trauma requires both acknowledgment and action.

To support healing from intergenerational trauma, Canada should:

• Expand Mental Health Support for Indigenous Youth: Indigenous youth are particularly vulnerable to the effects of intergenerational trauma, often facing identity crises, racism, and systemic barriers that exacerbate mental health challenges. Canada should invest in mental health programs specifically designed for Indigenous youth, providing them with safe spaces to process their experiences, access counseling, and connect with their culture.
• Develop Culturally Grounded Trauma Healing Programs: Trauma healing programs should be rooted in Indigenous cultural practices and values, offering a holistic approach that addresses spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. These programs should be designed and led by Indigenous communities, drawing on traditional healing ceremonies, storytelling, and land-based practices to help individuals and families heal.
• Support Peer-Led Initiatives: Indigenous communities often have strong networks of support among survivors and their families. Canada should fund peer-led initiatives that allow survivors of trauma to support one another through shared experiences, offering counseling, mentorship, and guidance.

4. Justice for Historical Crimes

Healing from trauma also requires justice. The crimes committed in residential schools and other assimilation policies were violations of human rights, and Canada must treat them as such. Justice is essential not only for individual healing but also for restoring trust between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.

To address historical injustices, Canada should:

• Hold Institutions Accountable: Many of the abuses that took place in residential schools were carried out by religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church. While apologies have been issued, there has been little accountability. Canada must continue to push for full transparency from these institutions and demand that they take responsibility for their role in these crimes. This includes reparations, access to records, and ongoing financial support for healing initiatives.
• Fund Investigations into Unmarked Graves: The discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites has reignited national grief and anger. Canada must continue to fund the investigation of these graves, ensuring that every child who was taken from their family and lost in the system is accounted for. This process must be led by Indigenous communities, with support for memorials, repatriation of remains, and community healing.
• Expand Compensation for Survivors: While some compensation programs have been established for survivors of residential schools, many individuals and families have been left out. Canada should review and expand compensation programs to ensure that all survivors, including those affected by day schools and other colonial policies, receive the reparations they deserve.

Conclusion: Healing for the Future

Healing from the trauma of colonization is not a quick or easy process—it is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, support, and justice. Indigenous peoples have shown incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships, and now it is time for Canada to provide the resources and space necessary for true healing.

By addressing intergenerational trauma, reforming harmful systems like child welfare, and pursuing justice for historical crimes, Canada can begin to repair the damage done and move toward a future where Indigenous peoples can heal, thrive, and lead in their communities. Healing must be community-driven, culturally grounded, and supported by long-term investments in mental health, family support, and justice. Only then can we truly honor the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for True Reconciliation

Canada’s journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples has been long, painful, and incomplete. While some progress has been made through apologies, financial settlements, and symbolic gestures, these efforts alone are not enough. The path to genuine reconciliation requires more than acknowledgment of the past—it demands a transformative approach to the future, one where Indigenous peoples are empowered to reclaim their lands, their governance, their economies, and their cultures.

At the heart of reconciliation is the need to address the deep injustices that have defined Canada’s treatment of its Indigenous peoples. These injustices are not relics of the past; they continue to shape the lives of Indigenous communities today. Canada’s colonial legacy, marked by dispossession, assimilation, and systemic discrimination, has left scars that will take generations to heal. But healing is possible if we, as a nation, commit to concrete action.

The Way Forward: Empowerment and Respect

Reconciliation must be rooted in respect for the inherent sovereignty and rights of Indigenous nations. This requires recognizing that Indigenous peoples are not simply another group within Canadian society, but distinct nations with the right to govern themselves, control their lands, and chart their own futures. For too long, Canada has treated Indigenous peoples as wards of the state, subject to paternalistic policies like the Indian Act, which continue to undermine their self-determination.

To move forward, Canada must:

1. Restore Land and Sovereignty: Indigenous nations must be given control over their traditional territories, with meaningful authority over land use, natural resource management, and environmental stewardship. This is not just a matter of compensation but of justice—returning what was taken without consent and respecting the deep spiritual connection Indigenous peoples have to the land.
2. Achieve Economic Justice: Indigenous communities must have the opportunity to thrive economically, free from dependence on government aid. This means establishing equitable revenue-sharing agreements, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship, and investing in sustainable development that aligns with Indigenous values. Economic justice will empower Indigenous peoples to build prosperous futures for their nations.
3. Revitalize Culture and Education: The erasure of Indigenous cultures was one of the most profound harms of colonization. To repair this, Canada must support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, traditions, and knowledge systems. Indigenous-led schools, cultural centers, and language programs are essential to ensuring that future generations of Indigenous peoples can grow up with pride in their heritage.
4. Heal from Trauma and Injustice: The legacy of residential schools, forced assimilation, and the removal of children from their families has left deep wounds. Healing from this trauma requires sustained support for mental health services, community-led healing programs, and justice for the crimes committed against Indigenous peoples. This healing process must be led by Indigenous communities, with Canada playing a supportive role in providing resources and accountability.

A National Responsibility

Reconciliation is not solely the responsibility of the government—it is a collective effort that involves every Canadian. As a nation, we must confront the truth of our colonial past and take responsibility for the ongoing harm it has caused. This means not only supporting government initiatives but also fostering a national culture of respect, understanding, and partnership with Indigenous peoples.

For reconciliation to succeed, every Canadian must play a role in educating themselves about Indigenous histories and rights, challenging systemic racism and prejudice, and supporting policies that empower Indigenous communities. This is not just about rectifying past wrongs but building a more just and equitable future for all Canadians.

Moving Beyond Symbolism to Action

True reconciliation cannot be achieved through apologies and symbolic gestures alone. It requires bold, sustained action that addresses the root causes of inequality and injustice. The time for Canada to act is now—our Indigenous peoples can no longer wait. Reconciliation is not just about healing the past but about creating a future where Indigenous peoples are full, equal, and respected partners in the Canadian fabric.

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on fairness, justice, and human rights. But these values ring hollow if we do not apply them at home, to the original peoples of this land. We must work together to restore the dignity, rights, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, ensuring that their contributions are not just recognized but celebrated as vital to the future of this nation.

The journey to reconciliation is long and difficult, but it is also necessary. Canada cannot be whole without its Indigenous peoples standing proud and empowered, as they once were and as they deserve to be again. It is time for us to move beyond words and take the action needed to build a nation that truly values and honors all its peoples.