The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a statutory holiday in 2021 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 80th Call to Action. This day honours the children who never returned home, the Survivors, and the many Indigenous families and communities who continue to experience intergenerational trauma and the ongoing impacts of residential schools. This day calls upon us to continue learning, reflecting, and affirming commitments to meaningful action toward reconciliation in solidarity with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
As the regulator of midwifery in Ontario, we recognize the distinct role Indigenous midwives have always played in their communities and the importance of restoring and protecting Indigenous birthing practices, a vision that is at the heart of the Bring Birth Back movement. We also proudly acknowledge the Aboriginal exemption clause in Ontario’s Midwifery Act, 1991 — the only activated clause of its kind in Canada — which upholds the right of Indigenous midwives to practise in accordance with their traditions and honours their essential role in sustaining healthy families and communities.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls both place clear responsibility on midwifery regulators to take concrete steps toward reconciliation — removing systemic barriers, supporting Indigenous-led models of care, embedding cultural humility in every aspect of regulation, and working in genuine partnership with Indigenous service providers and communities. In June of this year, the College’s Board created a new registration pathway for Indigenous midwives who wish to become registered with the College. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC) to support Indigenous leadership and self-determination in midwifery and health care.
Our commitment also extends to ongoing learning for our Board and staff on the history and present-day impacts of colonialism in health systems, the principles of cultural safety and humility, and the responsibilities of regulators to help dismantle systemic inequities. We will continue to work with Indigenous partners and communities to ensure that our regulatory practices support the growth and vitality of Indigenous midwifery in Ontario.
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we renew our commitment to action, reflection, and relationship-building, guided by Indigenous voices and leadership. In doing so, we reaffirm our mandate to regulate midwifery in the public interest and to ensure that all clients have access to safe, culturally respectful care.
As of September 1, 2025, only 14 of 94 Calls to Action have been completed; a further 40% are either not started or stalled. As of June 2025, only two of 231 Calls for Justice have been completed. This unacceptable reality reveals a gap between commitment and action, calling on all of us to work together to drive meaningful change. The College encourages clients, registrants, and system partners to spend time in reflection today, and to continue strengthening understanding of the enduring impacts of colonialism.
“This is our past. And the future is ours to create together.” – Ry Moran, Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba
Resources to engage with:
- Truth and Reciliation Commission (TRC) – 94 Calls to Action
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) – 231 Calls for Justice
- Orange Shirt Society –Residential Schools & Reconciliation: Resources
- Chiefs of Ontario – Indian Residential School Information and Resources
- Assembly of First Nations – Residential Schools Education Toolkit
- Indigenous Watchdog – TRC Calls to Action Status: September 1, 2025