Jennifer J. Llewellyn - Speaking My Truth

epair the harms of residential schools. This does not address the harms tocommunities and future generations. Further, individual compensation canonly go so far to address the non-material harms caused by residential schoolabuse and its legacy. The commission is charged with understanding theseharms in their fullness and recommending a response. Such a response willinclude, among other possibilities, reparations for communities and othersaffected by the legacy of residential schools, commemorative actions, andeducation plans and programs.It will also pose a significant hurdle in the bid for reconciliation if thecommission approaches its work with a view to bringing final closure to theissue. If the commission seeks to write the final chapter on residential schoolswith the intention to bury the issue once and for all, the cause of reconciliationcould be seriously hampered. The truth the commission finds will aid in thework of reconciliation only if it is made known, understood, and respondedto. Thus, it is important that the commission recommend ways forward thatrespond to the harms related to and resulting from residential schools. It isequally important for these recommendations to be acted upon by those withthe power to do so. The truth commission report cannot be taken as an end inand of itself. If the truth is told and goes without response, this might result infurther harm to the relationships involved. A restorative lens helps make clearthe necessity for the commission to make plans for reconciling relationshipsin the future. The commission cannot hope to achieve reconciliation withinthe span of its five-year mandate; thus, its work must be about preparing andequipping people for the journey that must be walked into the future.ConclusionThe Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission will playa key role in providing a holistic and comprehensive response to the experienceof residential schools and its legacy. In order to realize its full potential, thecommission must figure out how to travel the road from truth to reconciliation.Restorative justice provides an essential guide for this journey. Through its lens,the starting point and the ultimate destination of the journey can be identifiedand the mode and means of travel can become clear. The commission will facesignificant challenges along the road, but its efforts will pave the road towardreconciliation for Canada and serve as a compass for others around the worldthat will try to travel this same road in the future.200 | Jennifer J. Llewellyn