(Ottawa, September 30, 2022). On the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) honours and remembers all the Indigenous children taken from their families and communities to residential schools where they experienced racism, abuse and violence.

On June 2, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report, which included 94 Calls to Action to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.” Several recommendations call upon educational institutions to play a leading role in decolonization and reconciliation.

CAUT and its academic staff associations from across Canada are taking up the challenge of re-examining the academy, recognizing its colonial legacy and closing gaps so that the full potential of universities and colleges as places of learning, discovery and knowledge may be realized for all. This involves forging new paths to support the Indigenization of the academy, including fostering spaces for dialogue and leadership, and acting in solidarity with Indigenous members, students and organizations.