Now is the Time—Doing the Work of Reconciliation

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (“TRC”) defined Reconciliation:

(R)econciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen there has to be awareness of the past and acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted and atonement for the causes and action to change behavior.

Last year, the BC Court of Appeal and BC Provincial Court each released Reconciliation frameworks.  The Supreme Court of British Columbia formed a Reconciliation Working Group in 2024 and is in the process of preparing its framework after broad engagement and consultation, which included CBABC.

We at CBABC are currently reviewing and updating our Reconciliation Action Plan and expect to release it in the coming months. We reached out to our membership to ask them to share perspectives and lived experiences through a survey and engagement sessions. You can learn more about our progress by contacting our Reconciliation Program Manager Teri-Ann Zanatta, or by contacting me directly. 

It is important that large and impactful groups and organizations in our society—like our courts and CBABC—develop and review these frameworks and plans on an ongoing basis as the work of Reconciliation continues. The effort and the focus being directed to Reconciliation gives me hope and pride in our profession.

It is also important for each of us to forge our own path to Reconciliation. I recognize that this work is hard and that maintaining focus can be difficult.

I have heard from non-Indigenous colleagues that they feel overwhelmed and worried that they are not doing enough, confused because they are not sure that what they are doing will make a difference or afraid that what they are doing is wrong and they don’t know how to move forward. These colleagues are bright, committed and thoughtful legal professionals who believe that change is needed. They acknowledge that harm has been done and want to do what they can to atone for that harm.

I have also heard from Indigenous colleagues that they are frustrated with Reconciliation efforts that take one-step forward, two steps back. They are exhausted with the everyday lived experience of the harms that continue to be inflicted, and angry that some Reconciliation efforts appear to be for political or personal gain and not about establishing and maintaining mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. These colleagues are bright, committed and thoughtful legal professionals who need change for many, many reasons, one of which is so that they can thrive in their chosen profession. 

The hard work of Reconciliation is the work of our time. What we do—or don’t do—now will resonate for generations. Through the work of the TRC and its Calls to Action, through the lived experiences of our Indigenous colleagues and their communities, the numerous court decisions, and so many other sources, we have come to know why Reconciliation is necessary. And so, to paraphrase Maya Angelou, now that we know better, it is time that we do better. 

I know that, as lawyers, we all know how to do hard things. Let us do this hard work. Let each and every one of us draw deeply on whatever inspired us to pursue a career in law in the first place and apply our significant skills to this task. Let us ask questions and listen to the answers. Let us answer difficult questions thoughtfully and respectfully. Let us admit when we are wrong and learn from our mistakes. Let us spend time with uncomfortable truths and be open to ideas that will change how our society works.

I climbed Glacier Peak in June of 2025. For most of the climb we were enveloped in thick cloud. We were barely able to see the person a few meters ahead of us, let alone any of the gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys we had expected. We had to keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that if we did that, we would eventually get to the top. I believe that if we maintain our focus and keep doing the work of Reconciliation, if we keep placing one foot in front of the other—when we aren’t sure, when we can’t see the outcome, when we can’t know how far we still have to go—a respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people will be created and then maintained. Imagine the view from there.