Reconciliation & Action

Situating Activity

Before beginning this section of the toolkit, we would like to introduce you to a mindfulness activity intended to situate yourself. Two Mount Royal University students, Kiana Amiot and Gemma Bayne, created this activity to bring awareness to the strides that Canada has made towards Reconciliation. The TRC Calls to Action, introduced in 2015, aims to address the ongoing impact of residential schools on survivors and their families (1). They additionally provide a path for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to create a joint vision of reconciliation.

Prior to viewing the activity, in your journal please consider the following. 

  • What do you know about the 94 Calls to Action? 

  • Which Calls to Action are you confident have been completed?

    • If you have no idea, why do you think that is? How can that be resolved?

Successful completion is achieved when the Call is completed nationwide, not just in 1 province. Try to think on a federal level.

We would like to remind you that this activity is not a test of your knowledge about the TRC’s Calls to Action; it serves to promote awareness. This activity is also not meant to assign blame or guilt. 

Activity (continued)

 

Please use this survey to broaden your knowledge about the 94 Calls to Action. Select the Calls you believe have been completed by the Canadian Government. 

TRC 94 Calls to Action Survey (6).

Now that you have completed the survey, please respond to the following questions in your journal. 

  • How many Calls did you mark as completed? What were your reasons for marking them as completed?

  • Were you surprised by how few or how many you checked off? 

  • Is Canada doing enough to ensure that the Calls to Action are successfully implemented?  

  • How will implementing all of the Calls of Action make Canada a more fair and equitable society? 

  • If you are curious to see the results, and find out which Calls to Action have been successfully completed, explore this interactive webpage by CBC (5). Here, you will see which Calls to Action are considered complete and which ones are considered to be in progress. You can also see the Canadian Government's steps in their progression through this report by Jewel and Mosby (2).

Resources to Explore

To learn more about the Calls to Action, you are encouraged to explore these resources

UNDRIP

“The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) is an international instrument adopted by the United Nations on September 13, 2007, to enshrine (according to Article 43) the rights that “constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and wellbeing of the Indigenous peoples of the world” (7). UNDRIP serves to protect the individual rights of Indigenous peoples and the collective rights that may not be recognized in other charters. UNDRIP is necessary as it establishes a universal framework of standards for Indigenous peoples' survival, dignity, and well-being (8). Ultimately, this ensures that Canada meets these standards and offers a more substantial degree of protection for Indigenous peoples.

Activity

 

To Explore UNDRIP Further

Your Role in Reconciliation

The TRC’s Calls to Action and UNDRIP are critical in ensuring that Canada remains accountable for promoting the overall wellness of Indigenous people. In turn, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can work towards Reconciliation. Below we have outlined several ways to take action on your own. We encourage you to dive deeply into the resources listed below and examine which actionables apply directly to you (some may not). We encourage you to do your own research and find out what steps your communities have taken to work towards reconciliation, and how you can get involved. Again, this is an ongoing process, and it does not end here.

While you read through these resources, write down the ones that you can further explore in your journal. Write down any questions you have and thoughts that come to mind as you read. When you are done, think of one more  step that you can take, that isn’t listed in the resources below.

Ways that you can take action and work towards Reconciliation

  • Explore the resource 150 acts of reconciliation (12). This resource provides very tangible ways to decolonize yourself and work towards reconciliation. 

  • Explore the infographic 10 ways to take action toward reconciliation (13). 

  • Recognize the privilege that you hold as a settler, and use that to uplift Indigenous voices and break down systematic barriers

  • Read important documents such as the 94 Calls to Action and UNDRIP 

  • Diversify your newsfeed. Make space to listen to the voices of minoritized groups. Listen to podcasts and read critical literature. 

  • Find out if you live near a residential school (14). If you do, learn the name of the school and visit the site if possible. Journal about how this made you feel, and get in touch with a Survivor if possible. 

  • Take the course Indigenous Canada for free (15) through UofA. You can also pay to receive a certificate for this course, or take it for credit. 

  • Volunteer with Indigenous leaders and organizations. Find specific organizations in your area. 

  • Support the work of Indigenous artists. Attend any local Indigenous artwork sharing events open to the public. Support Indigenous artists through purchasing their work or sharing it on your social media platform. 

  • Invite an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Holder to speak at your organization. Remember that when you are preparing your request to follow proper protocols. For example, you will need to present an Elder with tobacco and an honorarium. 

  • Attend cultural events such as powwows. 

  • Learn greetings in local Indigenous languages

  • Watch films and documentaries about Indigenous history and the Residential Schools

  • Read books on the Indian Residential Schools such as:

  • Journal additional ways that you can take action to work towards reconciliation

It is critical to emphasize that reconciliation is an ongoing process. It is not something that can be achieved simply through the completion of this toolkit. Instead, the alliedFutures project serves to guide, educate, and provide you with ideas on working towards reconciliation throughout your lifetime.

Key Terms

  • “Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. For that to happen, there must be awareness of the past, an acknowledgment of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour” (16).

  • “The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to a global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on” (17).

  • “The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a political organization representing approximately 900,000 First Nations citizens in Canada. The AFN advocates on behalf of First Nations on issues such as treaties, Indigenous rights, and land and resources” (18).

  • “The most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the world's indigenous peoples. Furthermore, it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples” (19).

 

Knowledge Sharing Series

Though the toolkit ends at reconciliation, this is an ongoing journey and a lifelong commitment. Let this be the first step in creating a brighter future.

Dion discusses ‘what’s next’ on the journey to reconciliation: putting our learning and unlearning into action. Together, we match intent with impact, finding the strength and courage to turn our desire to do good into ongoing, everyday actions.

 

While this is the ‘end’ of the toolkit, we recognize that this work is never ‘complete’, but rather an ongoing journey that involves continuous review and reflection. We encourage you to take a look back on what has been covered in this toolkit and begin to weave the knowledge shared into your everyday life as we work towards creating a brighter future for all.