Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation: Progress and the Path Forward with Cadmus Delorme
As we reflect on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (October 4), it's crucial to face the uncomfortable truth: our country still has a long way to go. These days aren’t just dates on a calendar—they are calls to action for all of us to wake up and realize the systemic harm Indigenous communities continue to endure.
Canada’s residential school legacy didn’t just cause trauma in the past; its impact still ripples through generations today. Imagine growing up in a world where your language, culture, and very identity were stripped from you as a child, and that was somehow considered “normal.” For far too many Indigenous families, this wasn’t just their past—it’s their present. We often think of these horrors as relics of history, but the reality is that Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, especially, are still disproportionately victimized by violence, abuse, and systemic neglect.
We’re talking genocide here. Still. In 2024.
There are 94 Calls to Action for Truth and Reconciliation and a staggering 231 Calls to Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). To think that after all the apologies and promises, we’ve only checked off two of those Calls for Justice five years after the inquiry was completed? It’s beyond frustrating. We have provinces and territories holding endless meetings, patting themselves on the back, but where’s the action? Where’s the funding?
But amidst the frustration, we had the honour of speaking with Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation and an incredible Indigenous leader and advocate for truth and reconciliation. His calm wisdom and clear passion for making meaningful progress were exactly the reminders we needed to stay focused on the work ahead.
Cadmus shared with us his insights on why the implementation of the Calls to Action and Calls to Justice has been so slow and what concrete steps we can take to ensure these aren’t just words on paper. He spoke about the vital need for Indigenous voices to be at the forefront of decision-making processes because, as we were reminded, "Nothing for us, without us." He also shed light on the responsibility that media, influencers, and everyday citizens have in creating awareness and demanding accountability from those in power.
Some of the key takeaways from our conversation with Cadmus:
The importance of education—Non-Indigenous Canadians need to actively learn about Indigenous history, the impacts of colonization, and the realities Indigenous people face today. It’s on us to seek out this knowledge and not wait for it to be spoon-fed.
Amplifying Indigenous voices—We need to make space for Indigenous leadership in our organizations and communities. Listen to those who are living these realities and support their efforts to advance justice.
Holding the government accountable—We’re in an election season, folks. Now is the time to demand that our politicians take the Calls to Action and Calls to Justice seriously. Ask hard questions, vote with intention, and don’t let these issues fade into the background once the election is over.
Building relationships with Indigenous communities—Reconciliation is not a solo act. It’s about building trust and relationships over time, and that means showing up—not just on Orange Shirt Day but throughout the year.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but even small steps lead to progress. As Jody Wilson-Raybould reminds us in her book, True Reconciliation, it’s on each of us to keep the momentum going. Educate. Advocate. Build relationships with Indigenous communities. Reconciliation isn’t a checkbox—it’s an ongoing, lifelong journey.
We owe it to the generations of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who came before us—and the ones still fighting today—to make reconciliation more than just a word. Let’s make it an action.
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Resources:
Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Call for Justice
A report card on the MMIWG inquiry's calls for justice
Forsaken: The Report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry
Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls: The Facts
‘Read the 231 Calls for Justice’: Oct. 4 marks National Day of Action for MMIWG
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People