Northern Indigenous leader on federal progress of reconciliation calls to action
As an Indigenous leader from northern Ontario reflects on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, he says political will is needed to complete the remaining 78 or so calls to action in connection to the Canadian residential school system.
Seven years ago, the National Truth and Reconciliation Committee released its report on the Canadian residential school system and recommended 94 calls to action.
But the total number of those completed depends on who you ask.
To date, the federal government said 17 have been implemented, but several groups, such as Indigenous Watchdog, say it considers several of those calls to action incomplete.
Derek Archibald, the deputy chief of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, said the federal government is lacking the political will to complete the remaining calls to action.
"The federal government has said that the relationship with Indigenous people is the most important, but 16 out of the 94 calls to action speaks for itself. What we need is will behind the words," Archibald said.
"I was just speaking with Cindy Blackstock prior to this interview and yeah, we both agree, you know, the calls to action from one to six are the most important. You know, we need to stop the inequity that the First Nation children face versus the general population."
Taykwa Tagamou Nation Deputy Chief Derek Archibald (left) with Cindy Blackstock (centre) in Ottawa. Sept. 30/22 (Supplied)
Blackstock (centre) is an advocate for Indigenous children's rights and was the driving force of a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case against the federal government in connection with discriminatory child welfare practices against First Nation children on reserve.
Archibald (left) said the biggest challenge his First Nation community is facing is the continued underfunding of services for child welfare, health and education.
He and a group of members from his community have gathered in Ottawa to take part in activities for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Members of a northern Ontario First Nation gather in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Sept. 30/22 (Supplied)
Members of Taykwa Tagamou Nation meet in Ottawa for activities related to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Sept. 30/22 (Supplied)
"I have deep, mixed emotions about it, yeah. Personally, it's a day to reflect on my family's involvement in the residential schools. On the other hand, I'm happy to be here in Ottawa with our community members. It's great to see so many people wearing orange shirts in the streets. It shows that they're recognizing our history," the deputy chief said.
"On the other hand, it's just one day of recognition, right? It just shows what survivors have gone through, what they live with every day and the ongoing trauma that our communities face because of the residential schools that were imposed upon us."
He wants non-Indigenous people to understand the history of First Nation Peoples in Canada.
"I'm 32 and the last residential school closed while I was still alive. It wasn't long ago, but it's important history to reflect on. Today's a great day to do that reflection," Archibald said.
"I think it's important for non-Indigenous people to participate in today's activities and just to understand the whole purpose of it and just to understand the history."
Taykwa Tagamou Nation has approximately 700 members with about 176 living on the reserve near Cochrane, Ont.
He said the current issues happening in his community due to the intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system has affected him and was a big part of his motivation to run for council.
"Part of my work is to help our people heal," Archibald said.
A crowd wearing orange shirts march in Ottawa on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Sept. 30/22 (Taykwa Tagamou Nation)
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
The ongoing intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system can cause distress for some Indigenous people. If you or someone you know is struggling, help and support are available. Find more information here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.