Ways to Support Indigenous Reconciliation
“If you live in Canada and are not Indigenous, you have a responsibility to do the work to learn more about, advocate for, and do the work of reconciliation” - On Canada Project
In the wake of the discovery of a mass grave of 215 Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc children who died at the hands of the Canadian Government, we are once again reminded of the unquestionable need to take real steps towards reconciliation.
“Canada's residential school system, which forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families, constituted "cultural genocide."“ - Reuters
Canada’s residential school system affected generation after generation of Indigenous peoples, and continues to do so to this day. Here are some ways you can learn about, advocate for, and do the work of Indigenous reconciliation:
Learn About: Follow Indigenous Accounts
2. Learn About: Residential Schools
What were residential schools and why is this a form of genocide?
“Residential schools systematically undermined Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures across Canada and disrupted families for generations, severing the ties through which Indigenous culture is taught and sustained, and contributing to a general loss of language and culture. Because they were removed from their families, many students grew up without experiencing a nurturing family life and without the knowledge and skills to raise their own families. The devastating effects of the residential schools are far-reaching and continue to have a significant impact on Indigenous communities. The residential school system is widely considered a form of genocide because of the purposeful attempt from the government and church to eradicate all aspects of Indigenous cultures and lifeworlds.” - Indigenous Foundations
3. Learn About: The Truth and Reconciliation Committees 94 Calls to Action
In 2015, “the commission published 94 "calls to action" urging all levels of government — federal, provincial, territorial and aboriginal — to work together to change policies and programs in a concerted effort to repair the harm caused by residential schools and move forward with reconciliation.” (CBC News)
The Commission concluded that the residential school system amounted to cultural genocide by the Canadian government: "a systematic, government- sponsored attempt to destroy Aboriginal cultures and languages and to assimilate Aboriginal peoples so that they no longer existed as distinct peoples."
Progress towards the 94 Calls to Action
4. Advocate For: Share Indigenous Posts and and Tag your MP/Trudeau
Amplify the voices of Indigenous leaders doing the work of reconciliation by sharing posts/stories.
Tag your MP and PM Justin Trudeau.
Justin Trudeau: @JustinTrudeau
5. Do the Work: Donate
The last residential school closed in 1996. There are still many survivors of residential schools living today, and the effects of the residential school system will last for generations. Do the work of reconciliation by making a donation to organizations supporting survivors.