Association of Canadian Archivists - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: ACA is sharing our Residential School Denialism Statement

Members Volunteer

HOME
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: ACA is sharing our Residential School Denialism Statement

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: ACA is sharing our Residential School Denialism Statement

30 Sep 2026 6:43 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Dear ACA Community,

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Association of Canadian Archivists is sharing our Residential School Denialism Statement, developed with the support and leadership of the Indigenous Matters Committee.

The ACA firmly stands against residential school denialism and wholly endorses the recommendations made by the TRC’s Calls to Action, the Reconciliation Framework, and the needs of impacted communities. 

We thank the Indigenous Matters Committee for their thoughtful work in developing this statement and encourage members to read it in full below.

Residential School Denialism Statement

The Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) acknowledges the established truth that residential schools were part of a genocidal effort to force approximately 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children to assimilate by dismantling cultures, languages, identities and relationships to family and community. These government-supported institutions were often church-run and operated for more than a century throughout Canada. They caused profound harm and trauma, the effects of which are still felt across generations as part of the government mandate of ‘kill the Indian to save the child.’ 

We condemn all forms of residential school denialism and reaffirm that accepting and sharing the truth are vital steps toward meaningful reconciliation. We are engaged in efforts to support families still searching for their loved ones. We are further committed to actively assisting in education and healing, guided by mutual respect. 

As an organization, and as archival professionals, we are beholden to the TRC’s Calls to Action, which were developed from years of in-depth expert research into the factual history and causes of the residential school system in Canada. The ACA endorses the Reconciliation Framework that was produced by the Taskforce designated to respond to calls addressed specifically to archivists. 

We abide by the Joinet-Orentlicher Principles, which binds us to protect the inalienable right to know the truth of the past as evidenced by thousands of first-hand testimonies plus historical documentation spanning multiple decades of recordkeeping by numerous institutions which, in many cases, were the ones perpetrating the atrocities. 

Based on these facts, the ACA firmly stands against residential school denialism and wholly endorses the recommendations made by the TRC’s Calls to Action, the Taskforce recommendations, and the needs of impacted communities. 

Approved by the Board of the Association of Canadian Archivists

Alyssa Hyduk, President
Angela Fornelli, Vice President
Alexandra Mills, Secretary
Adam Williamson, Treasurer
Amanda Oliver, Director at Large
Jen Nangreave, Director at Large
Matthew Keels, Director at Large

Read the document in letterhead here: ACA's Residential School Denialism Statement

Sincerely,

The ACA’s Board of Directors

Suite 1912-130 Albert Street

Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4

Email: info@archivists.ca

The ACA office is located on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.

Privacy & Confidentiality - Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct