The municipal election in fall 2017 resulted in over 40% of new elected officials in Alberta’s rural municipalities. To support increased understanding among both new and returning elected officials, the AAMDC is reminding members of the important work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and the role that Alberta’s rural municipalities can play in the truth and reconciliation process.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), an agreement between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Canadians who were former students of the residential school system. One component of the TRC mandate is to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools across Canada.
Quick facts:
- Approximately 86,000 Aboriginal people were enrolled in the Canadian Indian residential school system
- The residential school system was in place between 1879 and 1996 across Canada
- The broad goal of the TRC is for all Canadians to become more familiar with Indigenous history and gain a better understanding of the background behind current policy disputes between governments and Indigenous peoples over natural resources, education and child welfare
What role can rural municipalities play in the truth and reconciliation process?
The TRC has five (5) direct Calls to Action for municipal governments, including educating public servants about Indigenous culture, history, Treaties, and Indigenous law.
In 2015, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) created a guide to help municipalities across Canada begin to discuss how they can contribute to the objectives and Calls to Action from the TRC, and strengthen relationships between municipalities and neighbouring Indigenous communities. To view examples of how municipalities are acting on strengthening relationships with their Indigenous neighbours, view the guide here.
Enquiries may be directed to:
Chelsea Parent
Policy Analyst
587.671.0124
Tasha Blumenthal
Director, Advocacy & Communications
780.955.4094