(Lheidli T’enneh Territory/Prince George, BC) Today, on the 10th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Final Report and its 94 Calls to Action, the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) calls on all levels of government, institutions and every Canadian to renew their commitment to fully implement all 94 Calls to Action.
“The TRC specifically calls for the full adoption and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (The Declaration) as the framework for reconciliation in Canada,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “BC was the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement The Declaration, and British Columbians should be very proud of that.”
Canadians are asked to reflect on the journey over the past decade, since the release of the TRC Final Report, and the struggle to correct centuries of colonial harm and systemic discrimination. When First Nations history and experiences are not believed or belittled, such as the denial of unmarked graves or the harms caused by assimilation policies, it erodes public support for reconciliation and weakens the political will to fully implement The Declaration.
“We must fight the spread of denialism regarding the legacy of residential schools and First Nations rights and continue to advance the work to uphold these legal obligations and commitments,” continued Regional Chief Teegee.
For First Nations communities, protecting and fully implementing The Declaration is essential to preserving their cultures, dignity, and rights – and ensuring that future generations will thrive.
More information about the TRC Final Report and the 94 Calls to Action can be found at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website