We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal organizations, and the arts community, to develop a reconciliation framework for Canadian heritage and commemoration. It would include, but not be limited to:
- Amending the Historic Sites and Monuments Act to include First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representation on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and its Secretariat.
- Revising the policies, criteria, and practices of the National Program of Historical Commemoration to integrate Indigenous history, heritage values, and memory practices into Canada’s national heritage and history.
- Developing and implementing a national heritage plan and strategy for commemorating residential school sites, the history and legacy of residential schools, and the contributions of Aboriginal peoples to Canada’s history.
Why “In Progress?”
The Government of Canada has initiated a number of steps that directly address this Call to Action:
- Bill C-374 An Act to amend the Historic Sites and Monuments Act (composition of the Board) passed unanimously in the House on May, 8, 2018. Three additional board members – First Nations, Métis and Inuit- were officially appointed on June 11, 2018
- Federal government will consult with Indigenous groups to revise the National Program of Historical Commemoration and
- No specific mention of developing and implementing national heritage plan and strategy aside from $23.9M over 5 years to fund specific “Indigenous views, history and heritage” actions in national parks, marine conversation areas and historic sites.
Significant Change
Sept. 5, 2019 – Revised “Changes will be made” to Bill C-374 “The Historic Sites and Monuments Act” to “proposes”.
Current Status
April 4, 2022
In Progress
Previous Status
February 14, 2022
In Progress
Latest Updates
Site last updated on October 5, 2020
Reconciliation Initiatives with Canadian Heritage
Parks Canada and Sask. Culture
Parks Canada Oct. 5,2020: Parks Canada – $23.9M for Parks Canada to integrate Indigenous views, history and heritage into natural and historic areas. This investment in nature……
October 5, 2020
Reconciliation Initiatives with Canadian Heritage
Legacy of Hope: 100 Years of Loss
100 Years of Loss – The Residential School System in Canada. A collaborative effort, this education program was developed by a multidisciplinary team representing both……
November 4, 2019
Historic Sites and Monuments Bd. Reconciliation
18th century Mi’kmaq-French Alliance
Commemorated the national historic significance of the 18th century Mi’kmaq-French Alliance with a special plaque unveiling ceremony. The 18th century Mi’kmaq-French Alliance reflected both Mi’kmaq and French……
August 13, 2019
Historic Sites and Monuments Bd. Reconciliation
Samuel de Champlain Monument, Ontario
Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Huron-Wendat Nation -Report and Recommendations released on behalf of Samuel de Champlain Monument Working Group agreeing with all recommendations: That……
July 24, 2019
Historic Sites and Monuments Bd. Reconciliation
Obadjiwan-Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site
Timiskaming First Nation – The Government of Canada will transfer 50% of the ownership of the national historic site into a trust to better represent……
July 5, 2019
Canadian Heritage: Comm. the Hist of Res. Schools
Canadian Heritage: Commemorating the History and Legacy of Residential Schools
This component of the Celebration and Commemoration Program provides grants and contributions to eligible recipients for initiatives that will increase awareness and commemorate the history……
March 19, 2019
Historic Sites and Monuments Bd. Reconciliation
Transfer Beothuk remains from Scotland to Canada
Miawpukek First Nation, Newfoundland and Labrador. Chief Mi’sel Joe was the lead advocate to have The National Museum of Scotland transfer Beothuk remains to Canada. Through……
January 21, 2019
Indigenous Recommendations: AFN
Assembly of First Nations Recommendations
Resolution No 96/2018 – Support for TRC Call to Action #79 (iii) Direct the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to support the Truth and Reconciliation……
December 4, 2018
Historic Sites and Monuments Bd. Reconciliation
Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst, Prince Edward Island
Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI commemorated the first permanent European settlement on Île Saint-Jean (today Prince Edward Island). After falling to British forces in 1758, it……
July 5, 2018
Timelines to Amend the Hist. Sites and Mon. Act
Appointments to Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Announced the appointment of three distinguished Canadians to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC): Lisa Prosper, from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, is a scholar and……
June 11, 2018
Actions and Commitments
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Historic Sites and Monuments Bd. Reconciliation
Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada through a combination of existing sites and new locations have integrated Indigenous history, heritage and culture throughout Canada.