Resources for Truth & Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created in 2008 to document the history and the lasting effects of the Canadian Residential School System. The TRC provided survivors the opportunity to share their experiences. The commission prioritizes publicizing these stories to Canadians who may not previously have been aware of the extent of the atrocities. 

The final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission fills several volumes and officially concludes that the Residential School System amounted to cultural genocide. The report also includes 94 calls to action "redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation."

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and is "a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations." It now hosts the archives and research from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and provides an ongoing space for continued research and education

About the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR):

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) 
• About the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
• List of all TRC Reports (via the NCTR)

Where to start reading?

The full report is lengthy, but there are several shorter portions of the report that can be read on their own and are a good way to start engaging with the content of this important report.

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (PDF): Short summaries of each of the 94 Calls To Action arising from the TRC Report. 15 pages.
• Spirit Bear's Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action: An accessible version of the TRC Calls to Action created for youth in plain language created by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada. Includes glossaries and illustrations. 14 pages. 
• Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (PDF): Summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada. 535 pages.

Print versions of the TRC Reports available at our libraries:

• Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Link to the summary and full set of topics included in the Final Report. Many of the specific sections are reference copies, but there are many copies of the Summary available to borrow.