Newcomers to Canada
Learn how the Government of Canada is responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 93 to 94.
- Call to action 93 is based on information provided November 2025.
- Call to action 94 is based on information provided October 2023.
93. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with the national Aboriginal organizations, to revise the information kit for newcomers to Canada and its citizenship test to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including information about the Treaties and the history of residential schools.
What's happening?
Updates to the guide and test would respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call to be more inclusive of the perspectives and history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The department has engaged a wide range of partners to ensure the revised content of the citizenship study guide represents all people across Canada, including Indigenous Peoples, minority populations, women, Francophones, and persons with disabilities.
Recent progress
To further advance reconciliation and increase awareness of the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, IRCC invites Indigenous Elders and speakers to offer welcoming remarks and share their cultural teachings with participants at citizenship ceremonies, to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge and heritage for all in attendance. For example, the video Weaving Our Stories: Terry Young features Terry Young, an Elder, Pipe Carrier and Knowledge Keeper who shapes ash baskets with the wisdom of his ancestors. He warmly welcomes new Canadians at citizenship ceremonies, sharing the depth of his culture and the values of inclusion. In addition, Welcome, There Is Room, an Indigenous-produced video introduced in June 2024, is played at every citizenship ceremony to promote awareness and learning of Indigenous history and culture among new Canadians.
Next steps
A launch date for the revised study guide, study materials and test has not been determined. Discover Canada remains the official study guide for the citizenship test.
94. We call upon the Government of Canada to replace the Oath of Citizenship with the following: I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.
What's happening?
On June 21, 2021, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94) received Royal Assent. This act inserts new language into the Oath of Citizenship that refers to the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples:
Text of the former Oath of Citizenship
"I swear (or affirm) 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, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen."
Text of the current Oath of Citizenship
"I swear (or affirm)
That I will be faithful
And bear true allegiance
To His Majesty
King Charles the Third
King of Canada
His 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 fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."
The act expands the wording of the oath to address the spirit of the call to action, responding to what was heard during consultations and describing the broad range of rights applied to diverse Indigenous peoples.