It has been one year since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s findings and 94 calls to action. In the last year, we have witnessed a profound shift in the Canadian consciousness, with positive steps towards reconciliation coming from all corners of Canadian society. More people in Canada than ever before are interested in and participating in reconciliation, and this desire for change is growing into a national movement.
We are encouraged by governments, businesses, education institutions, and other organizations which have demonstrated a commitment to moving reconciliation forward within their circles of influence. Indigenous course requirements in university programs, partnerships between businesses and Indigenous-led organizations, and declarations of commitments to reconciliation from all levels of government are all positive steps in revitalizing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. These steps will have far reaching impacts, and we are inspired by all of the positive work that is happening nationwide.
Our two-year project, Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy was recently selected as one of the Canada 150 Pan-Canadian Signature Projects. This opportunity will allow Reconciliation Canada to continue engaging all Canadians in the reconciliation process and to envision a new way forward as we move into the next 150 years, together.
Each person has an important role in reconciliation. We urge all of you to continue to engage in reconciliation by strengthening relationships with yourself, your families, your communities and your country. Complete a Back Pocket Reconciliation Action Plan today.
On Saturday, April 23rd, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph delivered a talk at TEDxEastVan, a day-long event showcasing celebrated thinkers and visionaries connected to the Vancouver community.
TEDxEastVan brought together creators, catalysts, designers and thinkers to share in the TED philosophy, “Ideas Worth Spreading”. This independently organized event saw over a dozen speakers take the stage to a packed audience at the York Theatre in East Vancouver.
Sharing the stage with local inventors, activists and community leaders, Chief Joseph shared his story of attending residential school in childhood, overcoming the resulting traumas and emerging as an advocate for peace and reconciliation.
We encourage you to share this video with your friends, family and networks!
Reconciliation Canada is incredibly excited to announce that the project Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy has received $1.8 million in funding through the Canada 150 Fund. The initiative has been selected as one of a limited number of national, high-impact Canada 150 Pan-Canadian Signature Projects. This funding is an opportunity for Reconciliation Canada to continue engaging all Canadians in the reconciliation process and to envision a new way forward as we move into the next 150 years, together.
“This announcement by the Government of Canada demonstrates shared values and the importance of working together to build a better future for Canada,” says Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Ambassador, Reconciliation Canada.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, delivered the announcement at Vancouver International Airport in front of the iconic Spirit of Haida Gwaii, the Jade Canoe sculpture by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid.
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is an excellent opportunity to celebrate all that it means to be Canadian,” says Minister Joly. “Let’s be proud of our diversity; let’s reinforce the relationships that hold us together; and let’s highlight the richness of our common history and our heritage. Together, let’s support the reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples.”
2017 is the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. To mark this milestone, the Government of Canada is supporting organizations, projects and initiatives to engage and inspire Canadians in their communities, as well as create space for all people in Canada to come together to celebrate our shared values, our achievements, our majestic environment and our place in the world. The main themes of the Government of Canada’s vision for the 150th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth.
The Canada 150 Fund will provide support to several initiatives that are part of the Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy, including:
A National Narrative on Reconciliation online engagement project
A series of National Reconciliation Gatherings
National Gathering of Spiritual Leaders and Youth
A National Narrative on Reconciliation — strategic framework development, analysis and report
National Thought Table on Reconciliation
Celebration of Reconciliation in Winnipeg, MB.
“Reconciliation Canada is deeply grateful for the support and is looking forward to engaging Indigenous peoples and all Canadians in national initiatives across the country, which celebrate successes and inspire action on reconciliation,” said Chief Joseph.
We were also delighted that two other projects were also awarded funding and announced as Canada 150 Pan-Canadian Signature Projects. Indspire, an Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people, and the 4Rs Youth Movement, a youth-led initiative seeking to change the country by changing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people, both received funding.
From left to right, Chief Karen Joseph, Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire, Minister of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Carolyn Bennett, Colette Trudeau, Noelani Avveduti and Raven Lacerte, of the 4R Steering Committee representing the Assembly of First Nations, pose for a photograph after a Canada 150 announcement at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday May 24, 2016. The Canadian Press Images PHOTO
Vancouver Quadra MP Joyce Murray, from left to right, Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, watch as a member of the Eagle Song Dancers performs during a Canada 150 announcement at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday May 24, 2016. The Canadian Press Images PHOTO
Minister of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly speaks during a Canada 150 announcement at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Tuesday May 24, 2016. The Canadian Press Images PHOTO
On March 29, Reconciliation Canada and Haisla Nation co-hosted the event Our Shared History: An Evening of Haisla Nation History and Dialogue in Kitimat, BC.
The evening gathering featured a presentation from Chief Councillor Ellis Ross, a shared meal and a facilitated dialogue by Reconciliation Canada. The dialogue provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about each other’s backgrounds and begin to think about how reconciliation can take shape. Recognizing that reconciliation is a process and not just a one-time event, the evening gathering aimed to create a strong foundation for future steps towards reconciliation. Tiktok takipçi satın al
An informational booklet, The Meaning of Reconciliation – Haisla Nation History, was produced to accompany the event. The booklet provides an overview of the shared history of Haisla Nation and Canadian society, framed with the goal of beginning the dialogue necessary for reconciliation.
Reconciliation Canada is honoured to have had this opportunity to collaborate with Haisla Nation. We raise our hands to the many people who joined us for the evening gathering, and to the wonderful individuals who made this event possible. We are truly grateful. Garantili SEO Danışmanlığı
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and the North Growth Foundation.
By Myrna Hewitt, Executive Vice-President, Marketing & Community, Affinity Credit Union
Many of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our language disappearing, especially if we speak English. But, it does happen.
One of the enduring effects of the residential school system in Canada is that it severed the language ties connecting First Nations peoples to their culture and history. The natural passage of language from generation to generation was interrupted by the residential school system, and as a result we’re left with an urgent need to protect and preserve First Nations languages all across the country, or we could lose them.
The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC) works to fan the flame of First Nations languages in this province, preserving a fundamental part of the province’s history and culture.
We’re excited at Affinity Credit Union to provide funding to help the SICC continue on this important mission. They work with eight different languages spoken in the province: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Woodland Cree, Dene, Nahkawē, Dakota, Lakota and Nakota. For us, it’s an honour to embark on this partnership with the SICC, and a privilege to have a role to play in preserving these languages for future generations.
On March 21, 2016, we officially celebrated this partnership with a traditional sweat attended by Affinity executives and SICC representatives, followed by a pipe ceremony and a feast at Affinity’s Saskatoon head office.
One part of our agreement with the SICC involves translating the Affinity story and our co-operative values into First Nations languages, starting with Dakota and Plains Cree. By telling our story in First Nations languages, we want to show our support for the preservation of Indigenous languages and highlight the similarities between First Nations and co-operative values. This partnership with SICC is one way, that as an organization, we’re developing a better understanding of the history and culture of First Nations people in Saskatchewan.
The trick to protecting a language is having people learn it, speak it, read it and write it. The SICC does this every day, and through our funding partnership and the soon-to-be-translated Affinity story, we’re honoured to do our part to help in that effort!
At a National Reconciliation Gathering in Winnipeg on March 11, 2016, Affinity Credit Union made a commitment alongside Vancity Credit Union from BC and Assiniboine Credit Union from Manitoba to work toward meaningful reconciliation. This commitment grew out of a call from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the business community in this country to participate in the reconciliation process. We consider it an important responsibility to play our part in reconciliation.
Our partnership with the SICC is made with an eye toward advancing this cause, and we invite all individuals, credit unions and organizations to join in this journey of healing and reconciliation. Co-operatively, we can build a better Canada.
Myrna Hewitt
Myrna joined the Affinity Credit Union executive team in 2012. She has provided marketing communications, community relations and corporate responsibility leadership for numerous Canadian co-operatives, as well as Sasktel, Saskatchewan’s provincial telecommunications company. Myrna lives and breathes co-operative values. They guide her in her work with Affinity and serve as a foundation for the credit union’s commitment to reconciliation.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of Reconciliation Canada.
From all of the Reconciliation Canada team, we offer our thoughts and hearts to the youth and families in Attawapiskat going through the fear and pain of suicide and suicide attempts.
There is no greater reason for reconciliation. The crisis in Attawapiskat is a crisis for all Canadians. This is a moment where it is clear that a new relationship among Indigenous peoples, all Canadians and all levels of government is critical for the health of communities throughout Canada.
We must take this moment to reflect on of our own role in this new relationship. We must engage in deep, meaningful dialogue with one another to understand our diverse and shared histories, and learn how we can affect reconciliation within our own spheres of influence. Only then can we move forward in a way that ensures that each individual is celebrated and able to achieve their optimum potential.
“To all the youth in Attawapiskat, know that you are loved. Love yourselves. You have value. You have worth. It starts with you. Live with hope. Find the time. The answers will come. You matter deeply.”
Reconciliation Canada welcomes the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Daniels v Canada. This decision provides recognition for hundreds of thousands of individuals across Canada, and provides a strong foundation for continued work towards reconciliation. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Canadian society is on the verge of profound change.
It is important to note that this decision marks the beginning of a new journey. All parties now have an opportunity engage each other in a meaningful way to create a new way forward that is positive for all peoples.
Reconciliation Canada raises our hands to the individuals who worked so hard to make this moment a reality. Your dedication to ensuring that all peoples in Canada are able live in a way that is true to their histories and cultures is truly inspiring and is the embodiment of ‘Namwayut – We Are All One.
What does the Daniels Decision mean? Click here to learn more (via First Peoples Law).
Join Chief Dr. Robert Joseph and other engaging speakers on April 23rd, 2016 for TEDxEastVan!
Vancouver’s TEDxEastVan brings together creators, catalysts, and thinkers in an inspiring day-long event. This year’s theme is “MOVE,” which celebrates Vancouver’s love of outdoor and physical culture, its emotional connection to art and music, as well as an interest in social shift.
This video, targeted at students as part of the education mandate of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, tells the story of Peter Bryce, an early whistleblower on health conditions inside Residential Schools
Kevin McCort is President and CEO of Vancouver Foundation. McCort’s past work in international development often engaged Indigenous communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. When he moved to Vancouver in September 2013, one of the first events he participated in with Vancouver Foundation was the Walk for Reconciliation. He says, “that was where I really began to understand and appreciate the reconciliation narrative and to see how Vancouver Foundation was a part of that story.” From then on, he has been actively supporting Vancouver Foundation’s role as a donor and ally in supporting First Nations achievement and aspirations.
This year, Vancouver Foundation has embarked upon a series of Pilot Dialogues in collaboration with Reconciliation Canada. This work is a co-creation of a new tool for engagement within the organization, and for interactions with community and in personal settings. The Foundation’s staff attended Reconciliation Dialogues both to understand the critical role that they play as a Community Foundation, and to explore actions that could be taken at personal and organizational levels to continue this important work of reconciliation.
For McCort, the future of the Foundation’s journey involves doing more as an organization by being deliberate in supporting the reconciliation movement. He notes that working with a vision of reconciliation will improve various aspects of their work and even change the nature and fabric of their leadership.
McCort believes that reconciliation it is a collective and long journey that cannot be accomplished alone, for “reconciliation belongs to everyone”.
To read more Impact Stories and for our full Impact Report 2015, click here.
