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National Forum Encourages Universities to Answer the TRC’s Calls to Action

November 19, 2015

On November 18 and 19, the University of Saskatchewan hosted a two-day national forum asking post-secondary institution leaders to respond to the  the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

Justice Murray Sinclair commended the attendees for their participation and encouraged them to make meaningful connections between their academic mission, their social responsibilities, and the calls to action.

In his presentation at the forum, Sinclair observed that, in many ways, “reconciliation is not as complicated as we tend to make it” and that, it is about creating a relationship, “based on friendship and trust.”  His challenge to all of the attendees, including the many university presidents, First Nation and Métis leaders, student leaders, and representatives from stakeholder organizations was to, “learn to keep doing this.” 

In response to Sinclair’s challenge, a commitment was made, during the concluding session at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, to host a follow up event next year.

Representatives from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission attended the two-day forum to support engagement between post-secondary institutions and Indigenous people and communities.  As well, the Commission encouraged the attendees to pursue the recommendations put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.