Truth and Reconciliation Commission advertising for candidates for Chair and Commissioners
Call for applications
for the Chairperson and two Commissioners
(full-time positions) for the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
For well over a century, the federal government and several religious organizations operated residential schools for First Nations, Métis and Inuit children throughout Canada. Thousands of former students filed abuse claims against the government and the churches because of physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the schools. “(T)he government now recognizes that the consequences of the Indian Residential Schools policy …has had a lasting and damaging impact on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language."
(The Statement of Apology, June 11, 2008)
In 2006, the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit, the federal government, the religious organizations, and legal representatives of former students negotiated a comprehensive settlement. The Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) aims to promote healing and reconciliation through compensation components, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and funding for healing and commemoration initiatives. For more information on the IRSSA, go to: www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca.
Over five years, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will promote public awareness about the residential school system and its legacy, and foster understanding, healing and reconciliation through a series of national and community events, statement-taking and the establishment of a permanent archival research centre. For more information on the Commission, go to www.trc-cvr.ca.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be composed of a Chairperson and two Commissioners who will provide leadership to the Commission in fulfilling its Mandate under Schedule N of the IRSSA. At least one of the three members should be Aboriginal.
Successful candidates will be persons who are excited by the potential of the Commission to be an instrument for healing and reconciliation for survivors of residential schools and for the nation. They will be persons of recognized stature and accomplishment, of sound judgment and integrity. They will have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively and to model values consistent with the Commission’s mandate. They will be persons who have provided leadership that inspires and are committed to principles of human rights and restorative justice. They will have demonstrated sensitivity to indigenous cultures and experiences, and an awareness of the context and legacy of residential schools in particular. View job descriptions for information on specific qualifications:
To apply for these appointments, please include a full resumé with a covering letter describing why you are interested in this position, and two references. Applications should be sent to:
The Truth and Reconciliation Selection Committee,
c/o Frank Iacobucci, Torys LLP,
Suite 3000, 79 Wellingston St. W.,
Box 270 TD Centre, Toronto, Ontario M5K 1N2,
416-865-7380 (fax) or fiacobucci@torys.com.
For information on selection committee members, go to www.trc-cvr.ca.