“Reconciliation is about forging and maintaining respectful relationships. There are no shortcuts.” -Justice Murray Sinclair

For over a century, the Indian Residential School system in Canada violated the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in 2008 with the goal of contributing to truth, healing and reconciliation. They developed at document called “Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action” with 94 calls to action to redress this legacy.

Much talk has been given to Truth and Reconciliation but the calls to action are not simply for the government, federal or provincial levels. We ALL hold a portion of responsibility for what happened, what is happening and for what is to come.

In “Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada” the Reverend Stan McKay of the United Church, who is also a Survivor of Residential school, is quoted as stating reconciliation can happen only when everyone accepts responsibility for healing in ways that foster respect:

“[There must be] a change in perspective about the way in which Aboriginal peoples would be engaged with Canadian society in the quest for reconciliation…. [We cannot] perpetuate the paternalistic concept that only Aboriginal peoples are in need of healing…. The perpetrators are wounded and marked by history in ways that are different from the victims, but both groups require healing…. How can a conversation about reconciliation take place if all involved do not adopt an attitude of humility and respect? … We all have stories to tell and in order to grow in tolerance and understanding we must listen to the stories of others.” (p.9-10)

My COMMITMENT

I pledge to continue to seek, explore, and humbly listen and engage with the dialogue AND calls to action of Truth and Reconciliation.

I endeavour to remain open, honouring, and actively seek to forge and nurture a relationship with the diverse peoples of the many First Nations, Métis Nations and Inuit peoples who have lived on and cared for these lands for generations and the many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

It is with respect that I honour and acknowledge Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10 – as well as many unsigned treaties. The land I live on is the traditional and ancestral territory of many diverse Indigenous peoples. Namely, they are: the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, Tsuu T’ina Nation, Inuit and the Métis Nation.

I am dedicated to ensuring the spirit of all Treaties are honoured and respected.

With deep respect, humility and openness I humbly acknowledge my blindness and ignorance. I will not longer allow complacency within my perspective and endeavour to acknowledge my privilege and take action beyond my own awareness.

I extend an open invitation to ongoing dialogue with any person interested in engaging in the perspective, education with and actions of Truth and Reconciliation.