National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Every year, on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we are reminded of the importance of acknowledging the painful history that Indigenous peoples in Canada have endured. This day serves as a powerful call to action for individuals and organizations alike to reflect on their roles in this ongoing journey toward understanding, healing, and reconciliation.

The Importance of Truth

At the heart of this observance is the recognition of the truth surrounding the impacts of colonialism and the residential school system. It’s a time to listen to the stories of survivors and their families, understanding the trauma that has been passed down through generations. For organizations, this means actively engaging in education, fostering discussions, and creating spaces where these narratives can be shared without fear of dismissal or harm.

Organizational Reflection

As we reflect on our own roles, it’s crucial to ask ourselves some important questions:

1. Are we listening?
   Have we created opportunities for Indigenous voices to be heard within our organization? Listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves understanding the context and significance of these stories.

2. What actions are we taking?
   Reflection is not just about recognition but also about action. Are we implementing policies and practices that support reconciliation? This could involve partnerships with Indigenous communities, educational initiatives, or advocacy for Indigenous rights.

3. Are we educating ourselves and our teams?
   Knowledge is a vital step toward understanding. Have we taken the time to educate ourselves on Indigenous history, culture, and the ongoing challenges faced by these communities? This education should be continuous and not just limited to this one day.

4. How do we measure our impact?
   It’s essential to assess whether our actions are making a difference. Are we tracking our progress in fostering relationships and implementing supportive practices? Regular evaluations can help us stay accountable.

Our day of reflection and connection

As a team our staff dedicated our day on September 30th to learning, reflecting, and connecting. We begun the day with a staff meeting and watched educational resources about what National Truth and Reconciliation Day is and then begun learning about the history of residential schools in our area. Many of our staff members have personal stories related to the residential schools and this exercise gave us the space to listen to their experiences and better understand each other. Following this we all attended a group brunch to further practice staying connected and in relationship with one another. After brunch we all made our way to the museum to attend the events organized by the allyship circle. We took part in making Tabaco ties and traditional prayers and dances led by talented dancers and singers. Our day was dedicated to remembering, honoring and celebrating those who were impacted by residential schools.

Our organization was able to take time to reflect and learn about truth and reconciliation due to the generous microgrant provided by Northwestern Alberta Foundation. Thank you NAF, we appreciate your commitment to fostering understanding and healing in our community!