Drayton Valley resident Charlene Bearhead is one of nine Members to have been selected for the inaugural Board of Directors for the National Council for Reconciliation.
Officials say true reconciliation requires that Canada confront its history with former residential schools and follow the lead of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. They say we must honour their voices, perspectives, and lived experiences as we shape the path forward in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The announcement was made on Monday, March 3, by Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, along with Édith Cloutier, Mitch Case and Mike DeGagné, who serve on the Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation.
The Council’s inaugural Board of Directors includes:
- Charlene Bearhead
- Édith Cloutier
- Mike DeGagné
- Jonathan Dewar
- Peter Dinsdale
- Joseph Murdoch-Flowers
- Mahalia Yakeleya Newmark
- Belinda Webb
- Julie Ann Wriston
“Canada’s strength is built on the voices, cultures, and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis,” says Anandasangaree. “The National Council for Reconciliation’s first Board of Directors reflects this diversity and will advance real change. Their leadership will drive accountability, measure progress, and push for tangible outcomes, including the full implementation of the Calls to Action. I extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Interim Board and the Transitional Committee, whose dedication and leadership helped establish the National Council for Reconciliation. This is a turning point for reconciliation in Canada, one that brings real action and accountability.”
“Today is a significant day for residential school Survivors, their families, and all Canadians. The establishment of an independent, non-political, Indigenous-led National Council of Reconciliation and its inaugural board of directors marks a historic milestone in advancing reconciliation. It has been an honour to be part of this journey, and we look forward to seeing the Council fulfill its mandate to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.”
Mitch Case, Édith Cloutier and Mike DeGagné – Former members of the Transitional Committee
Officials say the creation of the National Council for Reconciliation is part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, specifically fulfilling Call to Action #53, which calls for the establishment of a permanent, independent, non-political and Indigenous-led organization.
The council says they will monitor and evaluate reconciliation efforts to develop a multi-year national action plan with the goal of driving systemic change and promoting meaningful reconciliation across the country through research, partnerships and public education.
Officials say the establishment of this council should showcase and promote efforts towards reconciliation across society, hold the Government of Canada accountable and ensure reconciliation is a reality that honours the voices of residents school Survivors, their families and communities. Led by Indigenous voices, officials say the council will work to foster lasting, systemic changes that deliver real results for generations to come.
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