In November 2017, the Public Policy Forum brought together a group of almost 30 Indigenous students, faculty, guests and facilitators to consider questions about the legitimacy of government to meet the demands and expectations of its citizenry. The basis for this discussion on legitimacy was the commitment of the Government of Canada, under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

Participants were asked to consider:

• To what extent does the government have the legitimacy to act on its commitment to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples?
• What is legitimacy, in the context of this commitment?
• How can the government acquire legitimacy in the eyes of those who are directly affected by this process?
• What does reconciliation and a renewed relationship look like?