Today, on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Calgary Youth Justice Society team will be engaging in city events remembering and honouring the lives of Indigenous children lost to residential schools and the lasting effect on their families and communities, as well as the ongoing, intergenerational impact of this system and those that replaced them and continue to operate to this day. We believe that listening to the stories of survivors and knowing the Truth is an essential part of our Reconciliation journey.
In addition, we gathered for an event at our office on Monday afternoon to spend time reflecting and planning future action together. Beforehand, we were asked to participate in some preparation work, including reviewing the Treaty 7 Indigenous Ally Toolkit compiled by the Calgary Foundation, the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada with specific attention to the Calls related to Justice, Professional Development and Training for Public Servants and Youth Programs, and watching “Creating environments for Indigenous youth to live & succeed,” a TED Talk by Tunchai Redvers.
During our event, the CYJS team engaged in a “Reconciliation Brainstorm”. We reflected on what we are doing well as allies to the Indigenous community and where we have opportunities for growth. We brainstormed actionable steps we can take as an organization to participate in ongoing reconciliation. The following are the themes that emerged:
Build Authentic Relationships
- Continue to show up and engage in meaningful and respectful conversations with Indigenous people
Amplify Indigenous Voices
- Give a platform to showcase and uplift Indigenous voices, experiences, and successes
- Contribute to strengths-based and positive media representation of Indigenous youth
Engage in Intentional Learning Practice
- Commit to regular and ongoing educational and cultural competency training
- Provide opportunities for CYJS volunteers and stakeholders to engage in Truth and Reconciliation learning
Include Indigenous Representation in Program Development and Delivery
- Identify barriers Indigenous youth have in accessing CYJS programs and develop a strategic plan to address them
- Implement recruitment and retention strategies that foster an inclusive workplace and encourage Indigenous representation in staffing
Our intention through our activities and discussion was to take responsibility for the learning and unlearning that we must all do as treaty people.
We invite you to join us in our active journey towards Truth and Reconciliation! We’ve included the links to the resources we used below. CYJS continues to recognize and call out the many, varied strengths of Indigenous people. We want to support and celebrate Indigenous leaders of all ages, but particularly young leaders, who we witness courage, humour, resiliency, wisdom, and empathy in every day.
Resources:
Creating environments for Indigenous youth to live & succeed | Tunchai Redvers | TEDxKitchenerED
We Know the Truth: Stories to inspire reconciliation
Treaty 7 Indigenous Ally Toolkit
Calls to Action – Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Written by Danae Pritchard & Melody Clarke
