Reconciliation Report Card: How You Can Get Involved

Image retrieved from: Postmedia

Tansi Nîtôtemtik,

Throughout the year, we have provided information related to the various aspects of Indigenous Governance. As we come to the end of the academic year, we felt it was important to look ahead and highlight the various Reconciliation initiatives coming up in 2020 in the Edmonton area as well as how you can get involved. Below is a list of just a few initiatives running this year.

Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL)

In August of 2019, the EFCL received a grant from Canadian Heritage which was used to fund Tipi Teachings. The grant “will also allow capacity building within the leadership of the EFCL to become familiar with Indigenous protocol, practice, and culture.”[1] The EFCL, Parkdale Community League and Laurier Heights Community League are coming together to offer activities in the “spirit of truth and reconciliation.”[2] At a Tipi Teachings, participants raise tipis, learn from elders and meet Indigenous people within the community. The purpose of this activity is to “alleviate barriers by learning how to support First Nations people and beat prejudice in your community.”[3] There are four to five Tipi Teachings per month. To access the schedule, you can click here and scroll down mid-page.[4]

EndPovertyEdmonton

EndPovertyEdmonton is a “community initiative working towards prosperity for all through advancing reconciliation, the elimination of racism, livable incomes, affordable housing, accessible and affordable transit, affordable and quality child care, and access to mental health services and addiction supports.”[5]

Their Indigenous Circle is a “fluid and open membership table inclusive of all Indigenous peoples and communities.”[6] The Indigenous Circle teaches through traditional ceremony, reinforcing their cultural identity and working towards Reconciliation and ending poverty.[7] The Indigenous Circle includes “Elders, knowledge keepers and cultural resource people and encourages the participation of Indigenous youth and those who have seen poverty.”[8]

If you are not an Indigenous youth, there are still many things that End Poverty Edmonton encourages you to do. First, you can speak up in the face of prejudice, support local Indigenous businesses, participate in the EndPovertyEdmonton engagement session and share their website with others.[9] Upcoming engagement session events are listed here.[10]

Indigenous Canada 12-Week Course

One of the biggest issues that we have come across this year is the average Canadian’s lack of knowledge regarding Indigenous culture and issues. If you wish to learn more and be culturally aware, there is a free 12-week course offered by the University of Alberta. This course is taught from an Indigenous perspective and provides its students with a better understanding of Indigenous history and culture in Canada.[11] If you want to learn more, click here.[12]

Junior Youth Reconciliation Initiative

The Canadian Roots exchange is launching the Junior Reconciliation Initiative which is a week-long leadership camp in Edmonton, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, and Thunder Bay for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth aged 14-17.[13] The camp runs during each community’s spring break. The initiative supports youth throught leadership development, encouraging youth to make a difference in their community, increasing understanding of Reconciliation and Indigenous Rights, teaching and Canadian and Indigenous histories.[14] For more information or to sign up click here.[15]

Truth and Reconciliation Through Right Relations

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the Truth and Reconciliation through Right Relations program was developed. This five-day intensive program is offered at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.[16] Their goal is to “develop a deeper understanding of our shared history, the meaning of reconciliation, and the role Canadians play in improving our relationship.”[17] While the May 2020 program (May 24 May 28, 2020) is currently at capacity, you can put your name down to be added to the wait list. To do so, you can click here.[18] If those dates do not work for you, there is another program being offered from October 18 to October 22, 2020.

Conclusion

Please get involved. The road to Reconciliation cannot be fulfilled without the participation of all. It does not matter how big or small the participation; everything counts. There are countless other initiatives and ways to get involved that are in the Edmonton or greater Alberta area so please do some research in your community and get involved.

Until Next Time,

Team ReconciliAction YEG

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[1] “Community League Indigenous Project” EFCL, online: <www.efcl.org/events--projects/indigenous-project/>.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] “About EndPovertyEdmonton” EndPovertyEdmonton, online: <https://www.endpovertyedmonton.ca/about>.

[6] “Indigenous Circle” EndPovertyEdmonton, online: <www.endpovertyedmonton.ca/indigenous-circle>.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

[9] “Get Involved” EndPovertyEdmonton, online: <www.endpovertyedmonton.ca/how-to-help/>.

[10] ”Welcome to Aksis” Aksis, online: <www.aksisyeg.ca>.

[11] “Indigenous Peoples” AUMA, online: <www.auma.ca/advocacy-services/programs-initiatives/welcoming-and-inclusive-communities/>.

[12] “Indigenous Canada” University of Alberta, online: <www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html>.

[13] “Junior Youth Reconciliation Initiative” Canadian Roots Exchange, online: <www.canadianroots.ca/jyri/>.

[14] Ibid.

[15] “Junior YRI Application 2020” JYRI, online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSda78X5nWFyIV0Ij88oR_cq3S8VIlSRkjA4qzutheXKVTcRaw/viewform

[16] “Truth and Reconciliation Through Right Relations” Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, online: <www.banffcentre.ca/programs/truth-and-reconciliation-through-right-relations/20200524?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9ZzzBRCKARIsANwXaeIm0u62Mu8mboZFso114tONvTcjkiIBWodwJ-dJ5-jvp6OTfHnMZMUaAq3rEALw_wcB>.

[17] Ibid.

[18]“Leadership Intensives or Indigenous Leadership Programming Registration” Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, online: <www.banffcentre.ca/leadership/register/8943>.