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  3. What is Truth and Reconciliation?

What is Truth and Reconciliation?

Truth and Reconciliation is a process intended to fundamentally shift the national narrative away from a culture of domination and oppression and towards a culture of respect, reciprocity and understanding (Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, 2026)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada documented the experiences of residential school Survivors and produced a landmark report with 94 Calls to Action before concluding its work in 2015 and transferring its records to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).

Health-Care & Medical School Calls to Action

In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the following Calls to Action are directed specifically to health-care systems and medical schools in Canada.

#22

We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.

#23

We call upon all levels of government to:
i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field.
ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
iii. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.

#24

We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

What is Reconciliation?

Addressing past wrongs done to Indigenous Peoples, making amends, and improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to create a better future for all (Antoine, Mason, Mason, Palahicky, & Rodriguez de France, 2018).

Canadian Medical Association: An apology for harms to Indigenous Peoples

berries growing on a branch dipping in water

Truth & Reconciliation

CMA Apology to Indigenous Peoples

On September 18, 2024, the Canadian Medical Association issued a formal apology for the role of the medical profession in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

The apology marks the beginning of a new chapter in the CMA's reconciliation journey, guided by Indigenous Peoples through a Reconciliation Action Plan focused on advancing Indigenous health, well-being, and systemic change within the medical profession.

Read the Apology

Resources to support learning and reflection:

Dedicate time to learning, unlearning, and reflecting on Indigenous histories, perspectives, and lived experiences. These resources offer pathways to deepen understanding, challenge colonial narratives, and support meaningful engagement with reconciliation.

Braiding Truth Into Action

A Guide Towards Indigenous Allyship at Western University is a transformative resource for non-Indigenous faculty, staff, and students committed to building intentional and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Allyship at Western

Centering Indigenous Voices in Research

This guide provides practical guidance for respectful, ethical engagement with Indigenous communities, emphasizing sovereignty and cultural protocols. Developed collaboratively, it supports allyship and accountability in research impacting Indigenous Peoples, lands, and knowledges.
Guide Towards Allyship in Indigenous Research

Maatookiiying gaa-miinigoowiziying (Sharing Our Gifts)

Explore the Indigenous Learning Bundles - a digital collection of Indigenous curriculum resources and learn how to integrate them into your course curriculum. Created and shared by Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Learning Bundles

Unpacking and Addressing Anti- Indigenous Racism

This module explores the manifestation of racism against Indigenous Peoples in Canada and concrete strategies for taking action against it.
Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism

Biindigen’s Indigenous History Month Challenge

A 30 day challenge created by Western's Indigenous Learning Circle to engage all in learning about Indigenous peoples, perspectives, histories and cultures for National Indigenous History month. This curated collection of resources is timeless and noteworthy for annual events to attend next June.
Biindigen's Indigenous History Month Challenge 2025

Engaging with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit

This toolkit supports educators, staff and leaders at Western by offering guidance and context for observing NDTR and advancing Reconciliation throughout the year.
Engaging with NDTR Toolkit

Truth and Reconciliation Resources

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
Government of Canada Publications
Western University Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Western University Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Western University Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Western University Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Western University Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Western University Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Western Research
Health Equity Action Research Team (HEART)
Health Equity Action Research Team (HEART)
Preview the Indigenous Learning Bundles and learn how to integrate them into your course curriculum
Free online modules through Western’s Centre for Teaching and Learning
Access through Western Libraries and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives via OWL; provides foundational knowledge on Indigenous Peoples and Reconciliation in Canada
Online module by Western EDI
Free 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta that explores histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada (offered via Coursera)
Online training program focused on anti-racism and Indigenous cultural safety

We acknowledge that the topics discussed are difficult. We encourage you to seek support if needed.

Support resources are available through:

  • Elders and cultural supports from the Indigenous Student Centre may be accessed by students via virtual and in-person appointment; contact the Centre by phone (519 661-4095), email, or by connecting with Mandy Bragg at the Centre.
    • Faculty and staff can also invite an Elder to their classroom or event to facilitate debrief circles and offer support. Consider how to meaningfully engage Elders beyond providing openings and ad hoc support. Review the Guidelines for Working with Indigenous Community Members before reaching out. Please contact Paula Hedgepeth (phedgepe@uwo.ca) or Sara Mai Chitty (saramai.chitty@uwo.ca) with your course or event, reason for seeking to invite an Elder, and applicable dates. Requests will be reviewed and responded to within one business week; however, a minimum of four weeks’ notice is preferred. Please note we may not be able to accommodate everyone.
    • Crisis Health & Wellness supports (including mental health support) are available via Western’s Student Crisis Contact Information .
    • Off-campus support is also available via Atlohsa’s Family Healing Services and the 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-800-605-7477.
    • The National Indian Residential School crisis line is available to provide 24/7 support to Residential School survivors and others who are affected: 1-866-925-4419
    • Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. Online chat is available through Hope for Wellness Helpline , as well as their phone line: 1-855-242-3310.

Western University Health and Well-Being Resources: