Truth and Reconciliation: What Every Newcomer to Canada
By WelcomeAide Team
Why Newcomers Need to Understand Reconciliation
When you come to Canada, you inherit not just a new home, but the context of that home's history. Truth and Reconciliation is one of the most important ongoing conversations in Canadian society, and as a newcomer, understanding it is essential to being an informed, respectful member of your new community.
This isn't about guilt — it's about understanding. You didn't cause what happened, but you now live in a country actively working to address it. This guide provides an honest, accessible overview for newcomers.
What Were Residential Schools?
From the 1880s to 1996 — yes, 1996, which is within many people's lifetimes — the Canadian government funded over 130 residential schools run by Christian churches (primarily Catholic, Anglican, United, and Presbyterian). Over 150,000 Indigenous children (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) were forcibly removed from their families and communities and placed in these schools.
The explicit purpose, as stated by government officials of the time, was to "kill the Indian in the child" — to destroy Indigenous cultures, languages, and family bonds and replace them with European-Canadian culture.
What Happened in Residential Schools
- Cultural destruction: Children were forbidden from speaking their languages or practicing their cultures. They were punished — often physically — for any expression of Indigenous identity.
- Family separation: Children as young as 4-5 were taken from their families, sometimes by force. Many never returned home.
- Abuse: Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse was widespread and well-documented.
- Neglect: Many schools were underfunded, with inadequate food, clothing, healthcare, and heating.
- Death: An estimated 4,100+ children died at residential schools from disease, neglect, abuse, or while trying to escape. The true number is believed to be much higher — many deaths were never recorded.
- Unmarked graves: Beginning in 2021, ground-penetrating radar detected hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across Canada, drawing worldwide attention.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in 2008 as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement — the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history. Over six years, the TRC:
- Heard testimony from over 7,000 residential school survivors
- Collected millions of documents
- Published a comprehensive final report in 2015
- Issued 94 Calls to Action directed at all levels of government and Canadian society
The TRC concluded that residential schools constituted cultural genocide against Indigenous peoples.
The 94 Calls to Action
The TRC's 94 Calls to Action address areas including:
- Child welfare: Reducing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in foster care
- Education: Including accurate Indigenous history in school curricula
- Language and culture: Revitalizing Indigenous languages
- Health: Addressing health disparities in Indigenous communities
- Justice: Reforming the criminal justice system
- Newcomers to Canada (Call to Action #93): Revising the citizenship guide and oath to include treaty rights and Indigenous history
Call to Action #93 specifically relates to newcomers, calling on the government to include information about treaties and the history of residential schools in citizenship study materials. This is directly relevant to you.
Intergenerational Trauma
The effects of residential schools didn't end when the last school closed in 1996. Intergenerational trauma — the transmission of trauma effects from survivors to their children and grandchildren — continues to affect Indigenous communities through:
- Higher rates of mental health challenges, substance use, and suicide
- Family disruption (survivors never learned parenting from their own parents)
- Loss of language and cultural knowledge
- Distrust of government and institutions
- Economic disadvantages stemming from disrupted education and community development
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)
Another critical issue newcomers should be aware of is the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. A national inquiry concluded in 2019 that the violence amounts to genocide. Indigenous women face significantly higher rates of violence, disappearance, and murder compared to non-Indigenous women. The causes are rooted in colonial policies, systemic racism, and the legacy of residential schools.
What Reconciliation Looks Like
Reconciliation is not a single event — it's an ongoing process:
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30): A federal statutory holiday. Wear orange, attend events, reflect.
- National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21): Celebrates Indigenous cultures and contributions.
- Land acknowledgments: Recognize the Indigenous territory where you live and work.
- Renaming and redesigning: Schools, streets, and institutions named after architects of residential schools are being renamed.
- Policy changes: Governments at all levels are working (with varying speed) on implementing the TRC's Calls to Action.
What Newcomers Can Do
- Learn: Read the TRC's executive summary (available free online at nctr.ca). Watch documentaries. Visit museums with Indigenous galleries.
- Listen: When Indigenous people share experiences, listen with an open heart.
- Attend events: Pow wows, cultural events, and September 30 commemorations are open to all.
- Support Indigenous businesses and artists
- Teach your children: Include Indigenous perspectives when teaching your children about Canada.
- Challenge stereotypes: When you hear misconceptions about Indigenous peoples, respectfully correct them.
- Vote for candidates who support reconciliation (once you become a citizen)
- Recognize your role: You are now part of this story. Reconciliation includes everyone who lives in Canada.
Resources for Learning More
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: nctr.ca
- Native Land Digital: native-land.ca — learn whose territory you're on
- Books: 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act (Bob Joseph), Indian Horse (Richard Wagamese)
- Films: We Were Children, Indian Horse
Reconciliation is not about the past — it's about the future we're building together. As a newcomer, your understanding and respect contribute to that future. For more resources, visit WelcomeAide.com.
How Newcomers Can Actively Engage with Reconciliation
As a newcomer, you have a unique opportunity to contribute positively to Canada's journey towards reconciliation. This isn't just about acknowledging history; it's about active participation in building a more equitable future. One of the most immediate ways to engage is by learning about the Indigenous territory you are living on. Many organizations, events, and public gatherings in Canada begin with a land acknowledgement, a statement recognizing the traditional Indigenous inhabitants of the land. Understanding whose traditional territory you are on is a fundamental step. You can often find this information through local Indigenous cultural centres or by simply searching online for "land acknowledgement [your city/town]". Beyond learning, consider supporting Indigenous businesses, artists, and cultural initiatives in your community. This could mean buying from Indigenous-owned shops, attending Indigenous art exhibitions, or participating in public cultural events when invited. These actions help strengthen Indigenous economies and preserve vibrant cultural traditions. WelcomeAide's AI Navigator can be a helpful tool if you have specific questions about finding local Indigenous organizations or resources in your area, or to understand more about specific cultural protocols. Another practical step is to continuously educate yourself. The journey of reconciliation is ongoing, and there's always more to learn. Challenge stereotypes and misinformation you may encounter, and advocate for respectful understanding. Incorporate learning about Indigenous rights and cultures into your settlement process. Our Settlement Checklist can remind you to include researching local Indigenous communities and their history as an important step alongside other essential tasks like finding housing or employment. For more information on government initiatives and programs supporting Indigenous peoples, visit the official Indigenous Services Canada website.Understanding Indigenous Cultures and Contemporary Issues
Canada is home to a rich mosaic of Indigenous peoples, encompassing over 630 First Nations communities, along with Inuit and Métis peoples. It's crucial to understand that "Indigenous" is not a monolithic term; each nation has its distinct languages, cultures, traditions, and governance structures. Learning about the specific Indigenous groups in your region will deepen your appreciation for Canada's true heritage. Many communities have websites, cultural centres, or publicly available resources that share their stories and perspectives. Beyond historical context, it's important to be aware of contemporary issues facing Indigenous communities. These include ongoing efforts towards self-determination, the implementation of treaty rights, the search for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), and addressing socio-economic disparities rooted in colonialism. Understanding these challenges is key to being an informed and empathetic resident of Canada. As you build your life here, you might encounter programs or services designed to support Indigenous communities, or job opportunities that value cultural competency. WelcomeAide's Resume Builder can help you articulate skills in cultural sensitivity or community engagement if you are applying for roles where this is relevant. Furthermore, understanding the broader social context can help you navigate various aspects of Canadian life, including housing, employment, and social services. For instance, some housing initiatives or social programs may have specific considerations related to Indigenous communities. Our Housing Guide, while general, can provide a foundation for understanding the diverse housing landscape, which includes unique challenges and opportunities in Indigenous communities. To delve deeper into the history and ongoing work of reconciliation, including the full list of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is an invaluable resource.Related Resources
WelcomeAide Tools
- WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
- Resume Builder — create a Canadian-style resume for job applications
- Credential Recognition — check how your qualifications transfer to Canada
- Newcomer Checklist — organize your next steps for work and settlement
- Ask WelcomeAide AI — get practical answers about jobs and interviews
Related Guides
- Canadian Multiculturalism Policy Explained: What It
- Indigenous Culture Awareness for Newcomers
- Hunting in Canada: Licenses, Regulations, and Safety for
Official Government Sources
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