We. Us. Our. A Reconciling Narrative

Today, reconciliation is at the forefront of the minds of Canadians. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Idle No More, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the calls for a commission on missing and murdered Indigenous women, among others, have captured community, societal, and government attention. Renewal of the relationship with Canada’s Indigenous peoples is a major federal priority.

In December 2015, the Saskatchewan Institute of Signal49 Research convened the half-day forum Reconciliation: Changing the Narrative and Inspiring Innovation. This invitation-only roundtable brought together 50 First Nations, Métis, and non-Indigenous participants to share their perspectives on changing the narrative of reconciliation from one of challenges to one of opportunities and to share with others what is working, with the goal of inspiring innovation.

This report reviews evidence from the forum, including initiatives already underway in Saskatchewan, and presents some common actions and possible paths forward based upon the many voices that contributed their ideas.