First 10 / Next 10

Looking Back, Looking Ahead 

In 2025, Canada marked ten years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its Final Report and 94 Calls to Action. The anniversary offered an important opportunity to look back at what has changed over the first decade of reconciliation, and to look ahead to the work still before us.

At Trent, First 10 / Next 10 asked members of our community to do both. Faculty, staff, and campus groups were invited to reflect on reconciliation efforts they had witnessed or contributed to during the first ten years following the TRC’s active mandate concluded and to consider the commitments they hope to carry into the next ten.

The resulting digital stories offer a glimpse into some of this work and, importantly, the people behind it.

Origin & Inspiration

First 10 / Next 10 was inspired by the First 10 / Next 10: TRC Poster Series, an initiative of the National Indigenous Peoples Day and Orange Shirt Day Planning Circle at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

We extend our gratitude to the Planning Circle and TMU for developing a powerful concept grounded in reflection, accountability, and continued action. Trent adapted this idea through digital storytelling, creating an opportunity for members of our community to reflect in their own voices on where they have been and where they need to go next.

Stories of Reconciliation in Action

Much of the work of reconciliation happens quietly. It can unfold through relationships built over many years, changes to programs and policies, difficult conversations, new approaches to teaching and research, or efforts to make our campuses more respectful and supportive places for Indigenous students and communities. Some of this work takes place “behind the scenes” and may rarely be visible to most members of our university community.

First 10 / Next 10 provides an opportunity to bring some of those efforts into view.

The stories shared here are not intended as a list of accomplishments or evidence that the work of reconciliation is complete. Rather, they are honest and heartfelt reflections from people who have been doing this work – often quietly and over many years – and who generously agreed to share what they have learned along the way.

Across the stories, a common theme emerged: there is more to do. Participants spoke with humility about both progress and unfinished work. They reflected on relationships, challenges, learning, and change, while looking toward the horizon and identifying commitments they hope to carry forward. Their stories remind us that recognizing progress and acknowledging how far we still have to go are not opposing ideas. We can celebrate meaningful change while allowing it to encourage, and challenge, us to keep moving.

Most importantly, these stories are about action. Each participant was invited not only to reflect on the First 10 years of truth and reconciliation but to consider their Next 10: What will they continue? What needs to change? What have they learned? And what will they do next?

To help begin this conversation, Trent University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Cathy Bruce reflected on the progress of the first decade and the work still ahead, inviting the Trent community to consider their own contributions and commitments. Her reflection helped launch the First 10 / Next 10 digital story project this past fall. 

Watch the First 10 / Next 10 Stories

We invite you to listen to the following stories with the same generosity and openness with which they were shared. As you watch, consider your own place within Trent’s reconciliation journey: What changes have you witnessed or helped make possible? What have you learned? And what will you carry forward into action?