September 30, 2026 marks the sixth time Canadians will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day, which arose out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, marks a time to honour residential school survivors and their families, and to recognize the enduring legacy of Canada’s residential school system.
As our colleague Tumia Knott, spaləl̕, writes, September 30th should be a day to build understanding by supporting one another from a place of collaboration, compassion and kindness. In a year of political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and a climate that is increasingly hostile to reconciliation, this message is even more important.
It is also a day for listening.
With this message in mind, we have compiled the following commentary from writers, leaders and scholars on the challenging and complicated issue of reconciliation. We hope they provide a meaningful touchpoint for a day of reflection on the legacy of residential schools, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and the work that remains to be done to address the enduring harms of colonization.
Riley Yesno identifies Land Back as a missing piece to reconciliation in Canada
A Fundamental Aspect of Reconciliation: Giving Back Stolen Land | The Walrus
Riley Yesno | September 29, 2025
Canadian governments continually treat Indigenous title as a ‘policy issue’ rather than a legal obligation and fundamental right.
Khelsilem explores the recent, growing backlash against Indigenous rights and reconciliation
Canada’s Reconciliation Panic | Maclean's
Khelsilem | March 20, 2026
Redistribution always produces backlash because those who benefited from the old equilibrium experience the new one as a loss.
John Price and Lorna Wanosts'a7 Williams reflect on the 180th anniversary of the Oregon Treaty and what it means for reconciliation today
Marking 180 years: The Oregon Treaty, DRIPA and the future of reconciliation | Times Colonist
John Price and Lorna Wanosts'a7 Williams | August 2, 2026
The bitter irony is that those who effectively stole the lands in 1846 are now accusing those whose lands they took of threatening private property.
Erin White, Iloradanon Efimoff, and Mary Agnes Welch question the impact of symbolic reconciliation
Orange shirts aren’t enough when systemic equality is backsliding | Policy Options
Erin White, Iloradanon Efimoff, and Mary Agnes Welch | December 15, 2025
A focus on systems, rather than symbols, is more urgent than ever.
Xavier Kataquapit highlights the importance of respecting and protecting the land as a critical aspect of reconciliation
Respecting the land is most important to reconciliation | Northern News
Xavier Kataquapit | September 23, 2026
Indigenous groups, especially a new generation of young leaders and advocates, are now stepping up to fight against any future injustices that might happen on traditional lands.
Cindy Blackstock calls on the federal government to stop working against reconciliation
Wreckonciliation and the case for total departmental reform | Policy Options
Cindy Blackstock | November 24, 2025
The federal government has put its hooves in the mud in its implementation of the TRC calls to action.
First Peoples Law LLP is a law firm dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We work exclusively with Indigenous Peoples to defend their inherent and constitutionally protected title, rights and Treaty rights, uphold their Indigenous laws and governance and ensure economic prosperity for their current and future generations.
Sign up for our First Peoples Law Report