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-23 dedicated to the designation and protection of federally owned historic places. This will be Canada’s first legislation of this kind and will result in a stronger voice for Indigenous peoples in determining the people, places and events considered to be of national historic significance and national historic interest in Canada.
- 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.
Current Status
In Progress
Call to Action
last updated
April 04, 2024
Latest Updates
History of National Parks
‘Save the Buffalo, Shoot the Dene’
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April 4, 2024
History of National Parks
Etobicoke South Humber Monument
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August 9, 2023
Parks Canada and Provincial Actions
Rampart House, treasured site to the Vuntut Gwitchin, becomes official historic site
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July 31, 2023
Parks Canada and Provincial Actions
Minister Guilbeault presents response to the 2023 Minister’s Round Table on Parks Canada
The 13 actions proposed in the response will help advance Parks Canada’s priorities in the management of national historic sites, national parks and national marine……
July 25, 2023
Reconciliation Initiatives
Parks Canada plans major rewrite of more than 200 historic site plaques
Parliament Hill is one of the sites that is being reviewed by Parks Canada. Photo: APTN. APT News: The Canadian Press – They’re affixed to……
May 19, 2023
Parks Canada and Provincial Actions
Excitement for Gjoa Haven’s future as Inuit take lead on historical site for Franklin Expedition wrecks
Agreement expected to bring jobs and tourism The hamlet of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, in 2021. New federal money will help establish base camps at the……
April 8, 2023
Historic Sites and Monuments Bd.
Project Commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Demasduit: one of the last Beothuk people
NationTalk: The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, today announced a contribution of over $115,000 to the Town of Botwood and……
November 4, 2022
Reconciliation Initiatives
Government of Canada supports projects across Canada to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
NationTalk – Canadian Heritage: Commemorating the tragic history and impact of residential schools is essential to the healing and reconciliation process. Canada is committed to……
August 30, 2022
Reconciliation Initiatives
Government of Canada transfers land on the west side of Batoche National Historic Site to Métis – Nation Saskatchewan
No relationship is more important to Canada than the relationship with Indigenous peoples. The Government of Canada is committed to a system of national heritage……
July 22, 2022
Historic Sites and Monuments. Act
Historic Sites and Monuments Board to include Indigenous representation
The proposed legislation will expand representation for Indigenous peoples on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and ensure transparent, sustainable, and inclusive direction……
June 7, 2022
Actions and Commitments
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Historic Sites and Monuments Bd.
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.