As Indigenous History Month comes to an end, we feel the need to stop and recognize recent discoveries of unmarked graves at former Residential School sites. Together, we need to put pressure on all levels of government to ensure the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be heeded so that an honest, open conversation can remain at the forefront of our national discourse.

“My comment to everybody listening is, from Cowessess, we’re not asking for pity. We’re asking for understanding. We’re asking that you stand beside us, that as we gain our control again—as Indigenous people—in our Treaty relationship, that we have better understanding. That our kids going to school understand the impact that Residential School made, but also even pre…what great economy Indigenous people had prior to Treaty. This country would be so much more well-off, when Indigenous ideology and understanding is welcomed in, and not just brought in on certain days of the year.”

—Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nations, when speaking on CBC News. 

With this in mind, we need to do a better job to understand how we can make a positive impact to promote and encourage meaningful reconciliation. We can familiarize ourselves with the TRC and its Calls to Action, but we have our own part to play. We do not have all the answers, but we know that the first step is understanding the hurt that has been caused. The second part is doing something about it.