Reconciling for the future
Truth and Reconciliation Trail marker 7
All Canadians have been called upon to be a part of Reconciliation. Acts of Reconciliation should center Indigenous self-determination, empower Indigenous People, and establish respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. There’s many ways you can meaningfully engage in Reconciliation as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and its 94 Calls to Action. There are Calls to Action that speak to all levels of government and all sectors of society, including education. You are encouraged to find and commit to one that speaks to you.
“We have described for you a mountain, we have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.”
– Chief Commissioner Justice Murray Sinclair
What can you do to be a part of Reconciliation?
Reconciliation isn’t easy. Reconciliation isn’t a check-box item. Reconciliation isn’t an Indigenous problem, it’s a Canadian one. Reconciliation requires deep transformative societal change. It requires Indigenous-and-non-Indigenous relationship-building. It requires an equitable, just future for Indigenous children, families, communities, and land. Reconciliation requires all of us.
So, what can you do to be a part of Reconciliation?
To help the public to support their work in Reconciliation, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) released the 6 Actions of ReconciliACTION.
These actions are:
- Learn the history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples;
- Understand the history and legacy of residential schools;
- Explore the unique intersections we have between treaty, constitutional, Indigenous, and human rights we have in Canada;
- Recognize the rich contributions that Indigenous peoples have made to Canada;
- Take action to address historical injustices and present-day wrongs; and
- Teach others.
The 6 actions of ReconciliACTION can be applied to any of the 94 Calls to Action or even beyond them.
Gathering truth
Reconcili-ACTION
Considering your chosen Call to Action from the previous marker, create your own ReconciliACTION Plan.
After you create your own ReconciliACTION plan, ask your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbours to join you in committing to their own Call to Action.
Continue your journey through the trail markers
Trail marker 8 | Returning to ourselves: Indigenous resurgence
Today, many Indigenous People are reclaiming all that was taken away from them through the Indian Residential School system and other violent and assimilative Canadian policies.
What to learn more about Indigenization at Georgian?
Contact information
Sandi Pallister-Gougeon
Academic Program and Support Officer
Indigenous Studies/Services
249.388.0701
Email Sandi