Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to observe his first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Unlike his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who faced criticism for vacationing in Tofino, B.C., during the inaugural observance in 2021, Carney is expected to engage in solemn ceremonies. While it remains uncertain how effective government actions will be for Indigenous communities, there is hope that Carney will improve upon Trudeau's approach to the ceremonial aspects of the day.

Both Carney and Trudeau share a paternal legacy regarding Indigenous issues. Trudeau's father, Pierre Trudeau, and his Indian affairs minister, Jean Chrétien, proposed a controversial 1969 white paper aimed at assimilating First Nations, which was later withdrawn. In contrast, Mark Carney's connection to Indigenous matters is more personal. His father, Robert J. Carney, served as the principal of Joseph B. Tyrrell School in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, a day school for Indigenous children. Robert Carney was part of a larger group of individuals who dedicated their lives to serving Indigenous peoples, motivated by faith and a commitment to community service.

As the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report approaches, its impact on Canadian discourse is evident. Land acknowledgments have become commonplace, even among officials who may not fully understand the significance of the lands or peoples they reference. Following the backlash from the Kelowna, B.C., incident in 2021, the TRC's call for a national holiday was swiftly enacted, with the observance taking place on Tuesday.

Pope Francis also responded to calls for accountability, delivering a papal apology during his visit to Canada, which was seen as a more comprehensive acknowledgment of the issues surrounding residential schools than previous statements from Catholic leaders in the country. The TRC's influence has permeated various aspects of Canadian culture, including education, where children are encouraged to wear orange shirts, and public spaces, with crosswalks painted in orange featuring Indigenous designs.

Despite the significant changes in dialogue surrounding Indigenous issues, there is a growing sentiment that more action is needed. This year's theme for Truth and Reconciliation Week is "Taking Truth to Action," yet the schedule is filled with discussions and lectures rather than concrete initiatives. Ten years after the TRC issued its 94 calls to action, the challenge remains to transition from dialogue to tangible outcomes. While Canada has made strides in financial settlements and discussions, the lack of decisive action has been a persistent criticism of the TRC's efforts.

Historically, Indigenous leaders have advocated for self-governance, a sentiment echoed in the 1995 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. However, the TRC's approach has often emphasized demands on external entities, including churches, universities, businesses, and various levels of government, rather than empowering Indigenous peoples as active participants in their own governance and future.