First Light Highlights Progress Made, Barriers Encountered in The Sound of Our Footsteps Reconciliation Report

St. John’s, Ktaqmkuk – First Light has released its 2026 Reconciliation Report, providing a comprehensive update on the status of truth and reconciliation efforts in St. John’s and the Northeast Avalon.

Entitled The Sound of Our Footsteps, the report highlights advancements made on the 42 Calls for Change, first published by First Voice in Our Shared Vision in February 2023 following extensive community engagement. The Calls for Change are closely aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice, and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The report highlights significant progress in certain areas with the opening of Harvey House, a 10-unit transitional housing facility, dedicated to supporting Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who have lived experience of violence; an initial grant from the Department of Health and Community Services to support the First Light Urban Indigenous Health Clinic; the establishment of the Metro Reconciliation Partnership between First Light and Municipalities of the Northeast Avalon; and progress toward ensuring all incarcerated Indigenous individuals have access to cultural programming.

While progress has been made, there continues to be challenges to advancing truth and reconciliation. These include persistent gaps in public education and understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and current realities that exacerbate inequities; a deepening housing crisis in St. John’s and increased demand for emergency shelters, supportive housing and transitional housing; and the rising cost of living, which presents further economic barriers that many urban Indigenous individuals face.

“There isn’t a good understanding of the histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples across this land. Much of that is tied to an outdated K-12 curriculum that doesn’t adequately prepare teachers for the task. That’s why it’s so important for people in leadership positions – especially in government and education – to seek opportunities for learning in meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities.”

Stacey Howse, President and CEO of First Light

The full report can be seen here.

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