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.
The Permanent People’s Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Burials will be held May 25-29, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec
In-person attendance at the Tribunal is limited due to the venue’s capacity. We encourage you to join us online.
Watch the Tribunal Live Online
Watch the Tribunal live daily from 9:00am-4:30pm EDT, May 25-29, 2026.
The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves will explore sensitive and traumatic history. If you need support at any time, please reach out to these 24/7 specialized crisis lines. You do not have to carry this alone.
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
Tribunal Schedule
Please note that this schedule may change. Check back here or visit the livestream page for the latest updates.
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7:30-8:00am EDT: Sacred Fire opening ceremony (not available on livestream)
9:00-9:30am EDT: Jeremy Dutcher performance and opening prayer
9:30-10:00am EDT: Introductory speech of the PPT Secretary General
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
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9:00-9:15am EDT: Welcome address and opening prayer
9:15-12:00pm EDT: Investigative journalism expert panel
12:00-1:00pm EDT: Lunch
1:00-4:30pm EDT: Indian Residential School Survivors panel
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9:00-9:15am EDT: Welcome address and opening prayer
9:15-12:00pm EDT: Survivor-led initiatives and investigations expert panel
12:00-1:00pm EDT: Lunch
1:00-4:30pm EDT: Forced and coerced sterilization Survivor panel
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9:00-9:15am EDT: Welcome address, opening prayer
9:15-11:30am EDT: Genocide and crimes against humanity expert witness
11:30-12:30pm EDT: Lunch
12:30-4:30pm EDT: Defence presentation
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9:00-9:15am EDT: Welcome address, opening prayer
9:15-11:00am EDT: Prosecution closing submission
11:00-3:00pm EDT: Judges’ deliberation (Closed door session)
3:00-4:00pm EDT: Interim statement from the judges
Press Releases
FAQ
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The public session will occur in Montreal, Quebec, May 25-29, 2026. It will feature testimonies, arguments, and deliberations that will inform the Tribunal’s advisory opinion and findings. The public session will be livestreamed.
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If you are interested in supporting the PPT, please contact us. info@our-truths.com
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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.
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
