Reconciliation toolkit

For more than three decades, the Anglican Church of Canada has been on a journey of listening, truth-telling, repentance and healing with Indigenous Peoples, both within and outside the church. There is an urgent need for further healing and justice-seeking across the land, and we all have a role to play.

Since the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) mandate in 2015 and the release of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, Anglicans across Canada have been seeking ways to continue the process of truth-telling and healing begun by the TRC. From commemorations, walks and feasts to study groups and social action groups, more and more people are getting involved in this ongoing healing journey. Reconciliation, right relationship, justice-seeking—these are all part of a “trajectory of grace”. There are many places to enter into this journey. Wherever you are at, you will find resources here to help you either enter into this journey for the first time, or take the next step on that journey.

Learn the history | Resources for study and use | Build relationships | Practice reconciliation

Learn the history title image
What do we know, or think we know, about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada—and in particular their relationship to the church? Much of what non-Indigenous Canadians learned about Indigenous peoples in school was either inaccurate or absent from their education altogether. Part of being on a journey of right relationship is learning the truth about what happened. These are some places to start.

Resources for study and use title image
As we move into learning more and unlearning things we thought we knew, an abundance of resources exist to help us further our education. Here you can find books, videos, and other online resources produced by the church and others.

Road to Warm Springs videos and background
An Apology For Spiritual Harm
Dignity. Courage. Resilience. A Reconciliation Feast
Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen lands, Strong Hearts—video produced by the Primate’s Commission on Discovery, Reconciliation and Justice.
National Film Board of Canada: Indigenous Cinema
Sacred Circle videos
Reserve 107: Reconciliation on the Prairies
Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada
Niigaanibatowaad: FrontRunners

Building relationships title image
True reconciliation involves right relationships, and right relationships involve getting to know one another. Building relationships is best done at a local level, so it’s important to find out whose land you are on, what Indigenous organizations and groups are at work in your area, and who you can connect with in your area.


Practice reconciliation title image
Many people want to know what they can practically do to further reconciliation. Finding ways to incorporate it into worship, acknowledging the Indigenous territory on which we live, work and worship, and taking action with others are important steps on the journey.

Photo used for Learn the History section from the General Synod Archives, File P2014-05-49. Other photos General Synod Communications.