National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29, 2021
Marcomm
Artscape News, Newsroom, Together for Artists

In order for us to engage of the process of reconciliation, we must educate ourselves on the painful past brought onto Indigenous Peoples and Communities as a direct result of the actions of colonialism in this country.

We have an obligation to learn the truth about Canada’s past, and understand this is still a current issue.

As we recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada on Thursday, September 30, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and Communities across the country, and recognize the immense amount of work that needs to be done in order to reconcile the painful history and ongoing impacts of this country’s wrong doings.

We have a responsibility to do better, and learn from our actions. We encourage you to read about the following steps (from ON Canada Project) that can be taken in learning about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, and check out the other resources below.

Artscape is committed to making space for creativity, while engaging art and creativity from all walks of life to encourage community vibrancy, sustainability, prosperity and inclusiveness.

Step 1 | Learn About Whose Land You Live On:

Find out whose traditional territory you live on. Visit native-land.ca

Step 2 | Do Your Research:

Click on the links of the territories from native-land.ca and learn more about the original caretakers of the land you now inhabit, their history, and the current issues that affect their communities.

Step 3 | Read about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada:

Review the 94 Calls to Action.

Step 4 | Connect with your Elected Officials:

Click here to find out who your elected reps are. Tell them you care about the Indigenous people of Canada and want to see action taken to reconcile with them, as described in the Truth and Reconciliation Report. Ask for an update on what they are personally doing to take action. Hold them accountable.

Step 5 | Be Public About Your Solidarity:

The more non-Indigenous people take action and become vocal about their solidarity with the Indigenous people of this land, the more likely we are to create sustainable change. The more likely we will peak and hold the interest of politicians so that they radically shift the way they take action around this. Amplify Indigenous Voices, and do more than has been done by those before us.