Justice and equity in First Nations education is a critical part of reconciliation. The residential school system caused great harm to seven generations of children and their families. A key part of healing, resilience, and reconciliation is building justice, equity, and Indigenous leadership in education. Calls to Action 7-10 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission highlight the need for consistent progress in Indigenous education, including overcoming funding and attainment gaps between First Nation and Provincial systems, honouring parental and community control over curriculum and education delivery, and honoring treaty relationships.

While we acknowledge that reconciliation is long-term, generational work, we also recognize that action must happen now to continue Canada’s commitment to Indigenous justice. A key next step to fulfilling these calls to action is consistent and reliable data around Indigenous education in Canada—data which has not been reliably collected since the TRC Calls to Action were first put forth. In addition, as efforts to develop and implement these calls to action continue, it is critical that Indigenous communities can trust Canada to honour commitments to stable and predictable funding for education.

Join us in asking members of Parliament and Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu to continue Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and fully implement TRC Calls to Action 7-10 for Indigenous education.

Read a backgrounder or return to the Centre for Public Dialogue Website.

Image source: Canva User Ryerson Clark