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.
Significant Change
Sept. 5, 2019 – Revised “Changes will be made” to Bill C-374 “The Historic Sites and Monuments Act” to “proposes”.
Current Status
July 22, 2022
In Progress
Previous Status
July 5, 2022
In Progress
Latest Updates
Site last updated on July 22, 2022
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
Timelines to Amend the Hist. Sites and Mon. 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
Historic Sites and Monuments Bd. Reconciliation
Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of the Ancient Mehtawtik Village
Parks Canada Agency: The ancient village of Mehtawtik (Meductic) was the principal settlement of the Wəlastəkokewiyik from before the 17th century. It was located on the……
May 25, 2022
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
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.