29 Introduction to the History and Legacy of Residential Schools

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established in response to the Survivors of residential schools negotiating the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement — the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history. In 2008, the Commission began its journey travelling throughout Canada, collecting stories and testimonies of Survivors — those who have been directly or indirectly affected by residential schools. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada recorded these stories as well as collected documents from the government. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada published a six-volume report on the history and legacy of residential schools. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation now serves as a repository of all statements, documents, and artifacts related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Senator Murray Sinclair was Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He attended over a hundred hearings across Canada, listening to thousands of stories from people impacted by the residential school experience. Watch an interview with Murray Sinclair where he discusses his experience heading the Commission.

As you view the video, consider what part you might play in a fundamental reset of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in this country.