What is the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal?

The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) is an independent, international opinion tribunal that investigates human rights violations on a global stage. Since 1979, the PPT has held over 50 sessions worldwide, allowing Survivors, families, advocates, and communities to be heard when other institutions have failed them.

Why do we need a Tribunal in Canada?

Ten years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued 94 Calls to Action after investigating the residential school system. Most remain unimplemented, while the recent discoveries of unmarked graves highlight the ongoing legacy of abuse, cultural erasure, and violence against Indigenous communities. The Tribunal will create a platform for global scrutiny of alleged crimes committed when Canada’s legal institutions failed to act.

Watch the Tribunal

Full Session Videos

  1. Sacred Fire & Opening Ceremony of the Permanent People's Tribunal on May 25, 2026

  2. May 25, 2026 – The Permanent People’s Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves

  3. May 26, 2026 – The Permanent People’s Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves

  4. May 27, 2026 – The Permanent People’s Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves

  5. May 28, 2026 – The Permanent People’s Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves

  6. May 29, 2026 – The Permanent People’s Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves

Recaps & Summaries

  1. PPT Closing Summary: Missing Indigenous Children Tribunal (May 25, 2026)

  2. PPT Closing Summary: Missing Indigenous Children Tribunal (May 26, 2026)

  3. PPT Closing Summary: Missing Indigenous Children Tribunal (May 27, 2026)

  4. PPT Closing Summary: Missing Indigenous Children Tribunal (May 28, 2026)

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Tribunal Schedule

  • 7:00-8:00am EDT: Sacred Fire opening ceremony at Lahaie Park, 4921 boul. Saint-Laurent (not available on livestream)

    9:00-9:30am EDT: Jeremy Dutcher performance and opening prayer

    9:30-9:40am EDT: Welcome address from the requesting organization (Na’kuset, NWSM)

    9:40-10:00am EDT: Introductory speech of the PPT Secretary General (Gianni Tognoni, Simona Fraudatario)

    10:00-10:15am EDT: Reading of the indictment

    10:15-10:30am EDT: Break

    10:30-12:00pm EDT: Presentation of the Prosecution’s Case

    12:00-1:00pm EDT: Lunch

    1:00-4:30pm EDT: Systemic failures for justice expert witness: Kimberly Murray

  • 9:00-9:15am EDT: Welcome address and opening prayer

    9:15-12:00pm EDT: Investigative journalism expert panel: Tanya Talaga and Connie Walker

    12:00-1:00pm EDT: Lunch

    1:00-4:30pm EDT: Indian Residential School Survivors panel: Sam, Robbie, George, Audrey, Leo, and Lucy

  • 9:00-9:15am EDT: Welcome address and opening prayer

    9:15-12:00pm EDT: Survivor-led initiatives and investigations expert panel: Laura Arndt and Scott Hamilton

    12:00-1:00pm EDT: Lunch

    1:00-4:30pm EDT: Forced and coerced sterilization Survivor panel: Jackie, Kahsenniyo, Brenda Reynolds

  • 9:00-9:15am EDT: Welcome address, opening prayer

    9:15-12:00pm EDT: Genocide and crimes against humanity expert witness: Fannie Lafontaine

    12:00-2:00pm EDT: Lunch break

    2:00-4:00pm EDT: Opportunity for response from Canada and Prosecution closing submission

  • 3:00-4:00pm EDT: Interim statement from the judges

Press Releases

May 31, 2026: PPT Preliminary Statement
May 25, 2026: The Indictment for the 57° session of the PPT
March 11, 2026: PPT Announces the Panel of Judges
April 15, 2026: The Government of Canada has been notified of the upcoming session on missing indigenous children and unmarked graves in Canada

In the news

FAQ

  • Through an independent, impartial investigation led by a panel of 11 experts, the PPT holds public hearings where testimonies from survivors, witnesses, and experts are presented. Defendants are also invited to present their evidence and arguments. After the public hearings, the judges will review the evidence and issue a final judgment and advisory opinion.

  • The PPT’s framework is rooted in the Universal Declaration of Peoples Rights adopted in Algier in 1976. Acting outside the formal judicial system, the PPT is a powerful grassroots tool that amplifies voices where other institutions, including those of governments like Canada’s, have fallen short. While its rulings are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and political weight, drawing attention to injustices often ignored by state institutions and influence future developments of international law.

  • In 2024, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM), with the support of Amnistie internationale Canada francophone, submitted a request to the PPT to investigate the alleged crimes committed against Indigenous children in Canada’s residential schools. NWSM is leading the urgent international call for accountability and building a lasting global record of evidence.

  • Previous PPT sessions have significantly influenced awareness and advocacy efforts of international human rights violations by creating a venue for Survivors, families, and communities to be heard. They have also contributed to academic discourse, shaped international law, and moved advocacy efforts forward.

  • If you are interested in supporting the PPT, please contact us. info@our-truths.com

  • If you are a reporter with a media outlet or publication, please reach out to info@our-truths.com

Support our work

The PPT is a grassroots initiative made possible by your donations.

3% Cover the Fee

Our Supporters

“The David Suzuki Foundation's mission is to protect the diversity of nature and the well-being of all life, now and for the future. The Foundation affirms that environmental protection is inseparable from Indigenous sovereignty. Colonialism, residential schools, and environmental exploitation are deeply connected. Supporting truth about unmarked graves is a step toward justice and healing for both people and land. The David Suzuki Foundation is committed to partnering with the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves to advance reconciliation, acknowledge historical harm, and uphold Indigenous leadership in shaping justice, resilience, and our shared future.”

Sabaa Khan, Director-General (Québec & Atlantic Canada) David Suzuki Foundation

Contact us.

info@our-truths.com