Tansi Nîtôtemtik,
For our final blog post of 2020, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on what we learned and loved these past 3 months.
Sarah
This blog so far has been a highlight of my legal education. The process of diving into new research for each Call to Action has put into perspective the careful consideration and consultation that went into preparing the TRC report. It's truly unfortunate that 5 years on, we've seen so little Action in response to the Calls. I'm honored for the opportunity to research a topic that is so important and to add my voice to the demand for truth and for action toward reconciliation. With that, I'll sign off until 2021. I wish everyone a safe December holiday full of good food and warm messages from the loved ones we may not get to see this year.
Tamya
Over the past 3 months, I’ve learned so much about the current reality of reconciliation in Canada. Each Call to Action reflects a unique and important issue that needs to be addressed for reconciliation to move forward, and learning about these topics each week has given me a deeper understanding of what needs to be done. One theme that has really stood out to me is the lack of data collected regarding different outcomes for Indigenous peoples in relation to the rest of the Canadian population. This is just one example of how inequities continue to be perpetuated, because we simply don’t know the scope of the issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada. That needs to change.
I’m really looking forward to delving into the next 44 Calls to Action in 2021, and hope you continue to follow our posts in the new year. Happy Holidays!
Anita
It has truly been a pleasure working on this blog and being able to delve into areas of topics that I had previously not known enough about when it came to each of the TRC Calls to Action. To be able to bring those very important issues to light each week so others could understand and learn alongside, has been such an honor. I was fortunate to be able to write about Orange Shirt day and its origins which led me to a webinar where Phyillis Webstad spoke about her experience at a residential school. There was so much emotion and power behind her words that really brought home why we all fight for justice and against those who would hide from it.
This coming new year will bring with it hope and possibilities like it always seems to, and that is my wish for everyone this holiday. Looking forward to continuing on with the remaining Calls to Action and I will see you in the new year. Have a wonderful Christmas Holiday!
Tyler
The process of researching and writing is remarkably more enjoyable when done in a team setting - especially when that team is abundantly passionate about the project. Being able to work through blog posts with questions and communication with this team has been a highlight thus far.
Through the first half, I have been learning just how malleable the concept of ‘reconciliation’ really is. Its meaning has this inane ability to shift and warp to suit political agendas and mandates - which allows for less and less substantive work to be done. I’m looking forward to see what the second half has in store.
Wishing everyone safe and restful holidays,
Teresa
I have thoroughly enjoyed researching my own posts and reading the carefully curated content my teammates have written. However, my favorite aspect of the semester was discovering new Indigenous artists to profile on our social media pages. From Dr. Val Napoleon to Joshua Pawis-Steckley, every artist’s painting and drawing is rich with Indigenous culture, stories, and history. It was a pleasure to sift through these visual interpretations of reconciliation and share them with our followers. These incredible artists have a gift for engaging the emotions I feel as I learn more about the steps Canada is and isn’t taking to rebuild the relationship with First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples. I am looking forward to discovering additional artists in 2021.
Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season,
Team ReconciliAction
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Join the conversation by following us on social media
Twitter: @ReconciliYEG;
Facebook: www.facebook.com/reconciliActionYEG/;
Instagram: @reconciliactionyeg.
To receive daily alerts to the blog, sign up here
