Following a series of unfortunate reveals of past abuses in Indigenous residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) reinforces its Call to Action 94. As a result, Ottawa updated the latest version of Canada’s Oath of Citizenship on June 21, 2021. The Oath’s importance lies in the sense of belonging bestowed by its words to the residents of Canada. That is why the government has included Indigenous peoples into the Oath, as a response to Call to Action 94.

The recognition of Indigenous rights in the oath of citizenship was propelled by Bill C-8. The bill proposes amendments to the Citizenship Act, faithfully committing to secure Indigenous rights. As acknowledged by Minister Mendicino, Bill C-8 has received Royal Assent and is officially a law. From today on, new Canadians who take their Oath will personally commit to align with the rights of Indigenous people.

Quotes from the News Announcement

“This new Oath now includes Indigenous, Inuit and Métis rights, and will help new Canadians better understand the… ongoing impact of colonialism… and our collective obligation to uphold the treaties.”

––The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship

“The new language… is a concrete step forward on rebuilding relationships with Indigenous peoples… It is so important that new Canadians understand the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. We recognize that there is still much more work to do on our path of reconciliation…”

––The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

The new language implements the following into the Oath: “I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.”

According to Minister Mendicino, the amendment of the Oath of Citizenship is “an important step on our shared journey of reconciliation.”To reconcile, is not only to observe on the behalves of Indigenous peoples, but is also to critique ourselves and seek an appropriate future direction.

Thomas Wang & Associates (TWA) aligns our values with those of Canada’s, of our people’s. Most importantly, with those who pertain different ethnics from ours. We believe that Canada’s prosperity necessitates the existence of a wide array of cultures. Consequently, we posses the responsibility to maintain them all. TWA is willing to provide immigration counsel to whoever in need.