National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 2024

On the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Ontario College of Teachers reaffirms its commitment to supporting tangible progress toward the Calls to Action identified by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

As Ontario’s teaching regulator with a mandate to serve the public interest by protecting students, we believe the calls to action are a shared path toward future generations growing up with an understanding of our collective history and the principles of genuine reconciliation.

This commitment is woven into the College’s Strategic Plan, which clearly states our objective to demonstrate a “regulatory model that strives to be free from barriers to truth and reconciliation, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility”. It is a values-driven goal that guides our actions and shapes all aspects of our work, including active engagement with Indigenous communities and partners to gather perspectives to inform our processes.

In accordance with the strategic goal of maintaining “accountable and agile processes to certify educators to teach in Ontario classrooms,” the College has taken intentional steps over the past year with the aim of increasing the number of Indigenous-language speakers available to teach in the province. We are engaging with Indigenous partners to explore new pathways for initial certification that reflect the diversity of Indigenous cultures, histories, and languages. As part of the work that targets the urgent need for Indigenous language teachers, the College continues to accredit Indigenous language teacher education programs and Indigenous teacher education programs. These programs, grounded in Indigenous research, scholarship, and pedagogies, respect Indigenous knowledge and the lived experiences of Indigenous teacher candidates while supporting the integration of Indigenous knowledge, histories, and perspectives into their classrooms.

Our efforts are rooted in the belief that dismantling barriers to truth and reconciliation requires personal commitment and meaningful action. We have been enriched by opportunities to deepen relationships with Indigenous peoples and their communities through consultation and reciprocal learning.

As we continue this important work, we remain committed to supporting genuine reconciliation. We acknowledge the painful legacy of education as a tool of oppression and forced assimilation. By confronting this truth, we move forward in the spirit of peace, friendship, and mutual respect, striving for lasting change that benefits all students and communities.

Diana Miles
Chair of Council
Ontario College of Teachers

Linda Lacroix, OCT/EAO
Registrar & CEO
Ontario College of Teachers