An internal federal presentation prepared for the Order of Canada Advisory Council says some Indigenous community members are encouraging officials to address the honours’ “deep colonial symbolism and associations.” The materials, dated April, describe efforts to modernize the Canadian honours system and note that recent feedback has prompted further reflection on how the Order of Canada is perceived. According to the presentation, the goal is to adjust the way the honours system recognizes achievement so that it better reflects contemporary perspectives and responds to concerns raised by communities.
Multiple outlets report that the study focuses on the symbolic meaning of the Order of Canada for Indigenous people and the need for the federal government to consider whether existing practices align with reconciliation efforts. While the sources agree on the existence of the feedback and the study’s framing, they do not provide detailed information on any specific policy changes proposed in response. The reporting indicates the federal review is ongoing as officials consider how to reduce perceived colonial associations within the honours system.
