Over the past three decades, the term "reconciliation" has increasingly appeared in Canada’s public and legal spheres. Beyond acknowledging injustices suffered by First Nations and Inuit and beyond reparations for past wrongs, reconciliation represents a commitment to rebuilding the foundations of a society where contributions from all actors within Canadian society are valued.
In this context, reconciliation becomes a catalyst for collective progress, allowing not only for the recognition of Indigenous knowledge and approaches but also for strengthening social cohesion and building a future where everyone contributes to economic, social, and cultural prosperity.
As demonstrated by the research and partnerships initiated by the Ashukan Institute, this process involves not only recognizing and including Indigenous perspectives in current actions but also reflecting on the historical and contemporary dimensions that influence the path to reconciliation. Each of these aspects paves the way for deep and inspiring reflections.
This desire for reconciliation emerged from several national inquiries and commissions, such as the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) and the 1998 Statement of Reconciliation. The most significant was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which, through the publication of its report and the issuance of 94 Calls to Action in 2015, placed reconciliation at the center of societal discussions and transformations aimed at improving relations with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Yet, despite the initiatives and actions undertaken by various public and private institutions over the years, the notion of reconciliation remains polysemous, complicating the mission of implementing it.
It is with a desire to clarify this plurality of concepts and challenges that the ICS project was created. This event aims to structure and facilitate inclusive dialogue around the multiple dimensions of reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and Canadian society.
Reconciliation involves the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights and their active participation in national governance, manifesting at different levels:
Each person engages in their own personal reconciliation process. The words of Indigenous Peoples on this subject guide us toward collective and individual awareness.
Reconciliation is a complex, multi-dimensional process that affects various sectors in a cross-cutting way. From an economic perspective, ensuring access to opportunities for Indigenous Peoples is crucial. Encouraging their participation in economic governance, recognizing their rights, and understanding their views on territories and natural resources is a starting point.
In education, integrating Indigenous knowledge into school systems and valuing their skills strengthens the cultural and historical autonomy of communities.
Involving Indigenous businesses in supply chains and promoting their products are also vital components for fostering sustainable economic development.
Finally, employability and professional development must be accompanied by specific training programs and recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ unique cultural skills, including the transmission of traditional knowledge.
These efforts aim to strengthen Indigenous identity pride, while creating professional environments that are inclusive and respectful of their cultures and traditions. This process contributes to both individual and collective growth, supporting the vitality of Indigenous communities.
