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In light of the recent discovery of 215 children found buried at Kamloops Residential School, we felt it would be helpful to share some resources over the following Thoughtful Thursdays with our church family on how we can better support the healing of our Indigenous brothers and sisters. 

The first step we have been pointed to again and again by Indigenous leaders is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the 94 Calls to Action that resulted from it. This post will summarize what the TRC was, and guide you to where you can read the results for yourself. We encourage you to read the 94 calls to action, and take some time to reflect on one small way you can participate in them. 

What follows is a summary from the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation's website:

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was created through a legal settlement between Residential Schools Survivors, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit representatives and the parties responsible for creation and operation of the schools: the federal government and the church bodies.

The TRC’s mandate was to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. The TRC documented the truth of Survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience. This included First Nations, Inuit and Métis former residential school students, their families, communities, the churches, former school employees, government officials and other Canadians.

The TRC concluded its mandate in 2015 and transferred its records to the safekeeping of National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).

The TRC carried out extensive research, including hearing from Residential Survivors, their families, members of their communities, former staff of residential schools and others. 

The TRC also hosted national events in different regions across Canada to promote awareness and public education about the residential school system and its impacts. The NCTR was also established as part of the TRC mandate as a permanent resource for all Canadians.

The TRC prepared a comprehensive report on the policies and operations of the schools and their lasting impacts. The final report included Ten Principles for Reconciliation and 94 Calls to Action that speak to all sectors of Canadian society.