Canada's approach to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples has sparked significant debate over the past decade. The government has implemented various measures, including financial settlements, land acknowledgments at public events, and exclusive access to certain parks. However, critics argue that these efforts have not effectively addressed the complex issues at hand.

The need for Canada to reconcile its historical treatment of Indigenous citizens is widely recognized. Yet, some believe that the current methods, particularly those advocated by the Land-Back movement, may be too extreme. Discussions about returning "stolen land" gained traction following a 2025 ruling by the British Columbia Supreme Court regarding the Cowichan Tribes. This ruling stated that fee simple land ownership does not negate Aboriginal title, raising concerns among landowners about the implications for their property rights.

Landowners have reported being informed by local officials that Indigenous claims could jeopardize their ownership status. Some businesses have claimed they face difficulties securing loans for projects in areas with Indigenous title claims, while real estate agents have noted uncertainty in mortgage approvals. Although immediate land seizures are not occurring, the potential for such actions looms large, especially in regions like New Brunswick, where First Nations claims are widespread. A judge in that province suggested that courts might order the seizure of private property to benefit Indigenous groups, with compensation for landowners.

In Quebec, the Algonquin Nation has filed a title claim covering significant portions of the province, further intensifying concerns about land ownership. In British Columbia, the provincial government has transferred control of certain parks to Indigenous groups, who have restricted public access based on historical grievances. Additionally, the province has renamed schools and streets in Indigenous languages, and has integrated Indigenous perspectives into various sectors, including education and mining.

Across Canada, universities have begun prioritizing Indigenous candidates for employment and admissions. In Manitoba, there are efforts to mandate land acknowledgment policies in schools, while Ontario has replaced traditional English literature classes with a focus on Indigenous literature for Grade 11 students in major school boards.

The federal government has mandated that each department allocate five percent of its contracting budget to Indigenous service providers, a move that some critics argue is susceptible to misuse. Parks Canada is also adopting a model of "Indigenous stewardship" for its operations. Furthermore, objections to major projects based on Indigenous spiritual beliefs are increasingly being handled with confidentiality.

In the fisheries sector, the federal government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in fishing equipment for First Nations, while reallocating quotas from non-Indigenous fishers to Indigenous counterparts to promote equity. Despite these extensive financial commitments, which have surpassed military spending, critics argue that the measures taken are still insufficient to address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.

The financial toll of reconciliation has been staggering, with billions allocated to various settlements. This includes $23 billion to settle a lawsuit regarding inadequate funding for Indigenous children in care, $1.72 billion for promised farming equipment to Saskatchewan First Nations, $14.9 billion for special claims since 1973, and $1.1 billion to settle a lawsuit involving federal Indigenous hospitals. The ongoing financial and social implications of these reconciliation efforts continue to be a contentious topic in Canada.