September 16, 2025

The word reconciliation is used often in mainstream society, but what does it really mean in practice? Beyond ceremonies and statements, what can each of us do to support it in our daily lives?  

On September 30, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to honour the survivors of the residential school system, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on our collective responsibility for change. 

As you read this, we invite you to reflect on a personal question: What steps have you taken to decolonize your space—whether at work, in your community, or in your personal life? 

From reflection to action 

Decolonizing a space can take many forms. It might mean making room for Indigenous voices in decision-making so perspectives that were historically excluded are central to shaping outcomes. It can involve bringing together traditional knowledge and Western methodologies in a Two-Eyed Seeing Approach, recognizing that both ways of knowing strengthen our collective understanding.  

Sometimes it’s as simple as learning Indigenous place names or offering a land acknowledgment that is sincere and tied to action. Decolonizing also includes looking critically at everyday practices—asking whose voices are absent, whose knowledge is valued, and what barriers might need to be dismantled. By beginning with this kind of reflection, we recognize that reconciliation is not only a national commitment but also an ongoing personal responsibility. 

A shared history 

For more than a century, residential schools operated across Canada, forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families, languages, and cultures. The legacy of these institutions includes profound intergenerational trauma that continues to affect First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families today. Trauma does not stop with survivors—it ripples through children and grandchildren, shaping health, well-being, and community life. 

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its 94 Calls to Action, providing a roadmap for governments, institutions, and individuals to repair relationships and address the ongoing harms of colonialism. Nearly 10 years later, progress has been slow and many of these Calls to Action remain unfulfilled, reminding us that this work requires sustained commitment from all of us. 

Advancing equity in care 

Across Canada, Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, and patient partners are shaping what reconciliation looks like in health and research. This includes embedding Indigenous governance, knowledge systems, and cultural practices into how programs are developed and sustained.  

The urgency is clear: one in three Indigenous adults in Canada are affected by chronic kidney disease, and many rely on the health care system for ongoing support. Yet inequities remain stark—according to Statistics Canada, 32 per cent of First Nations people (off-reserve), 30 per cent of Métis, and 29 per cent of Inuit reported having unmet health care needs in the past year. Many also face long travel distances, delays, or experiences of discrimination in care. 

Addressing these inequities requires advancing cultural safety, using REI (Race, Ethnicity, Indigenous identity) data responsibly to close gaps, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that reflect community priorities. At Can-SOLVE CKD, resources such as the Learning Pathway and Knowledge Keepers in Research have been co-created with Indigenous partners to strengthen cultural safety and embed Indigenous governance in research. Most recently, this commitment has expanded to include a new Circle of Practice, bringing people together to share knowledge and advance cultural safety across health systems. 

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey 

Reconciliation becomes meaningful when we move from words to action—by engaging with survivors’ stories, exploring resources like the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Lunch and Learn webinars (recordings now available) or David A. Robertson’s 52 Ways to Reconcile, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and advocating for systemic change.  

It also means reflecting on how to decolonize our own spaces and asking ourselves: What steps have I taken, and what more can I do? By recognizing truth, learning and un-learning together, and acting with empathy, we can help create a more just and equitable future for all. 

Artistic summary from Government of Canada's Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation: Executive summary