Truth and Reconciliation is a term used all over the world to describe the two-fold response to the lasting impacts colonization has had on Indigenous Peoples: first, to educate society on the truth of the past and present; and second, to make the societal, economic and structural changes required to move forward in a way that is mutually beneficial to all peoples.

The truth-telling and reconciliation process began as Canada recognized the destructive legacy of the Canadian Indian Residential School System. The Canadian Government formed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in June 2008 with a mandate to inform all Canadians about the effects Indian Residential Schools had on Survivors and their families – the stories of whom many Canadians did not previously know. The Commission documented statements from student Survivors, families, and communities and compiled this knowledge into reports that culminated in the TRC’s Final Report in 2015 and the 94 Calls to Action. These Calls to Action address all areas of Canadian life, including education, child welfare, language and culture, health, justice, media, sport and recreation, business reconciliation, newcomers to Canada, and much more.

Many educational institutions have committed to ensuring their students, staff and faculty understand Truth and Reconciliation, the impacts of Residential Schools and colonization, and what can be done going forward and why. 

Reconciliation is about restoring balance and respectfully forming and renewing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. In order to move forward and reconcile, we must also understand the truth about Canada’s past and present, and the colonial policies that were and still are in place today. Educational institutions, like RRC Polytech, have a particular responsibility to examine their own places in reconciliation and move to a place in which Indigenous perspectives and histories are incorporated, understood, and accepted. RRC Polytech recognized Truth and Reconciliation as an institutional priority in our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan as Commitment #2: Commit to Truth and Reconciliation. Pursue equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. 

Indigenous People have suffered as a result of the Canadian Indian Residential School System and the colonial policies the government created and maintained. These policies and the intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools on Survivors and their communities continue to affect Indigenous Peoples’ participation in equal social and economic opportunities.

To create equitable space in which Indigenous people can thrive is to repair the relationship Canada has with Indigenous peoples. Healing this relationship will require education, awareness, and increased understanding of the legacy and the impacts that involve all Canadians. 

The TRC’s reports and the Calls to Action clearly outline strategies to address barriers that affect Indigenous peoples that institutions like RRC Polytech can use to inform their approaches to reconciliation.

Manitoba has the highest percentage of Indigenous peoples in Canada, almost 17% of the provincial population. At present, 38% of Manitoba’s Indigenous people aged 25–34 years do not hold a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree.

RRC Polytech has a significant and growing Indigenous student body. Taking active steps to address historic and contemporary barriers is essential in ensuring Indigenous student success.

Reconciliation is an ongoing individual and collective process and requires commitment from all Canadians. A key priority for the College is to strengthen our partnerships with Indigenous communities and continue to advance Indigenous achievement.