June 11th, marks the 10-year anniversary of the Government of Canada’s apology to Indigenous Peoples for the Residential School system.
Acts of reconciliation are taking place, but we all need to be involved & responsible.
Please take time on June 11th, to consider your role and how you participate in reconciliation.
• Learn the name of the traditional territory you live
and work in & acknowledge it.
• Celebrate diversity in the workplace; make opportunities to gather and talk about reconciliation.
• Ensure there is no unequal treatment of Indigenous workers in your workplace.
• Bring in an Elder for the opening & closing of events, take time to talk about their protocols and ensure a honourarium is ready.
• Learn about and support Indigenous issues in your community and nationally. • Attend a Sisters in Spirit vigil on October 4th honouring and remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) https://www.nwac.ca/home/policy-areas/violence-prevention-and-safety/sisters-in-spirit/october-4th-vigils/
• Learn about the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls http://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/
• Support and participate in Orange Shirt day http://www.orangeshirtday.org/
• Initiate discussions with family and friends on Indigenous issues and about how to practice reconciliation as a family.
• Take time to review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 94 Calls to Action and visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website https://nctr.ca/map.php
• Participate in the Blanket Exercise https://www.kairosblanketexercise.org/
• Educate yourself on disrespectful phrases, refrain from using “Canada’s Indigenous Peoples” as Indigenous Peoples do not ‘belong’ to Canada.
• Learn how to say common words, and greetings in the local Indigenous languages. This shows respect.
• Ensure the workplace is a safe space for everyone. Be respectful of all people’s differences and languages. Show compassion and be kind to others about their lived experiences. Non-Indigenous workers need understanding in working with Indigenous workers.
• Support local Indigenous traditions and cultures, but please don’t appropriate!
• Learn about the history and intention of treaty.
Circulate the poster produced by CULE Members, Barb Fayant and Deanna Kimball: June 11th flyerFinal 1