TIMELINE - NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR RECONCILIATION

2017: In response to TRC Call 53, PM Trudeau announced the creation of an Interim Board of Directors to make recommendations on the creation of a National Council for Reconciliation. Those were: Edith Cloutier, Clint Davis, Dr. Mike DeGagné, Max Fine Day, Jean Teillet and former TRC Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild.

2018: The Interim Board of Directors came up with 20 recommendations relating to the name, vision, mission, mandate, structure, membership, funding, reporting, and the legislation of the National Council for Reconciliation. They decided that this would be an Indigenous-led, nonpolitical organization, incorporated as a non-profit. They also recommended a transitional committee be struck to complete the task of establishing the Council.

2019: Budget 2019 announced a total of $126.5 million to establish the National Council for Reconciliation, which includes $1 5 million to support the first year of operations Although CTA 54 has called for it, this announced funding is not multi-year

2021: Transitional Committee is struck. Members are appointed by CIRNAC Minister Marc Miller and include: former TRC Commissioner Wilton Littlechild, Dr. Mike DeGagné, Edith Cloutier, Rosemary Cooper and Mitch Case.)

2022: In June 2022, Bill C-29 has its first reading in parliament and is studied in the Standing Committee for Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN), where 38 witnesses provide expert testimony and propose amendments. Witnesses include people from Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations across the country, as well as government representatives.

2023: The bill is referred to the Senate for further study. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples. After this, there are two more steps before it’s passed and becomes law (another report, and a report reading).