Northern Premiers announce joint donation to support National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

WHITEHORSE, YUKON (May 5, 2025) – The governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut are jointly supporting the creation of a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).

Following successful discussions at this year’s Northern Premiers’ Forum, Premiers Ranj Pillai, R.J. Simpson and P.J. Akeeagok, on behalf of their governments, have each committed $25,000 toward the NCTR’s legacy project – a combined contribution of $75,000.

This reflects the shared commitment of Canada’s North to advancing reconciliation, honouring Survivors and ensuring the truths of the residential school system are preserved for generations to come.

The three territories have the highest Indigenous populations in Canada and share a strong belief that Indigenous history, experiences and voices must be at the centre of reconciliation and efforts to build understanding and healing.

Today’s announcement comes on Red Dress Day, a day of particular significance across the North and Canada. It serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing impacts of colonial violence and the urgent need to continue working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to confront injustices, past and present.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s new permanent home will serve as a national and international gathering place for learning, reflection and healing. It will be a space where Survivors can share their stories, where families and communities can reconnect with lost histories and where all Canadians can embark on their own journeys of reconciliation.

The work our territories are accomplishing together at Northern Premiers’ Forum is focused on meeting the needs of Northern people, advancing reconciliation and ensuring that the voices of Northern Canadians are heard. Supporting the work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is one way that we are working collaboratively across the North to ensure that our history is never forgotten.

Premier of the Yukon Ranj Pillai

The North has been disproportionately impacted by the legacies of residential schools and colonialism and has played an important role in truth telling and reconciliation. Supporting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation as they build a permanent home for Survivors’ stories will ensure those truths are never lost and continue to guide the path toward justice and healing. We’re proud to do this together with Yukon and Nunavut.

Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson

As the three territories with the largest Indigenous populations in Canada, we are committed to demonstrating leadership in support of a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The collective stories of Inuit, Dene, Cree and Métis, must be shared with our children and generations of Canadians to come.

Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Jeremy Bird
Director of Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-445-8506
jeremy_bird@gov.nt.ca

Sima Sahar Zerehi
Chief of Strategic Operations
Government of Nunavut
416-893-4053
szerehi6@gov.nu.ca

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