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
June 10, 2024
Latest Updates
The National Healing Forest Initiative
The National Healing Forests Initiative
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report, the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools of Canada and Missing and Murdered Indigenous……
June 10, 2024
Reconciliation Initiatives
Historic Bellevue House reopens
NationTalk: Parks Canada – Following an extensive renewal of the building and its exhibits and programming, Bellevue House National Historic Site welcomes visitors to explore……
May 20, 2024
Historic Sites
First Nation takes over operation of Gold Rush-era historic site
As of May, Hat Creek Ranch is open to the public under the management of St’uxwtéws Hat Creek Ranch, a former Gold-Rush-era roadhouse, is now……
May 9, 2024
History of National Parks
‘Save the Buffalo, Shoot the Dene’
A new book explores the dispossession of Dënesųłıné people during the creation of Wood Buffalo National Park. Remembering Our Relations, a new book from University……
April 4, 2024
History of National Parks
Etobicoke South Humber Monument
NationTalk: South Humber Monument – Press Kit In the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration, in early 2021, three groups came together to develop new language……
August 9, 2023
Parks Canada and Provincial Actions
Rampart House, treasured site to the Vuntut Gwitchin, becomes official historic site
Gwich’in gathering place and former Hudson’s Bay trading post now Yukon Historic Site More than 50 people gathered last week at Rampart House, in northern……
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
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
Actions and Commitments
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Historic Sites
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.