Blog

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its report and 94 Calls to Action, we have seen significant progress for Canada and Canadians on the path to reconciliation. The signs are all around and we are hopeful we are indeed moving the needle on reconciliation.

For many survivors of residential schools and their families, the Papal apology was all they hoped to hear, for others it did not go far enough. Here are some thoughts from notable Indigenous leaders on the apology, the implications, and their hopes for the next steps on the journey to reconciliation.

On April 1, 2022, I held my breath as I am sure thousands of other Indigenous Peoples did while listening to Pope Francis publicly address the Indigenous delegation from Canada. Would the leader of the Roman Catholic Church apologize for the church’s role in residential schools? And then he did.

“For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God's forgiveness, and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon.”

Pope Francis, April 1, 2022

By Bronte Phillips

The United Nations has declared 2022-2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. Many Indigenous languages across the world are in critical danger of being extinct. The International Decade devoted to Indigenous Languages aims to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ right to “preserve, revitalize and promote their languages.” It also offers support and collaboration opportunities to help take necessary steps for the “usage, preservation, revitalization and promotion of Indigenous languages around the world.” Having a decade dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous languages will mean having a global community of language-saving heroes, featuring worldwide events and activities to promote relevant language learning tools and resources. It will also mean giving others a platform to share, endorse their local language, and facilitate and encourage the learning of others.

Indigenous Corporate Training Donates $40,000 to Nawalakw Culture Camps

Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. had the recent honour of speaking with K’odi (Hank) Nelson, the Executive Director of Nawalakw, an organization bent upon reconnecting Indigenous People to their culture, land and heritage. K’odi Nelson casts an impressive shadow. His comprehensive knowledge of the Kwakwaka’wakw history, culture - songs, dances, stories - and language, coupled with the skills of a professional athlete and an adventure guide/operator, places him in a unique position to heal and teach.

By Bronte Phillips

Changing their last names after marriage and sharing their bodies with their unborn children are two ways in which many women and mothers have given up pieces of themselves. First Nations women and mothers in Canada are no exception and no strangers to loss. Starting in 1851 and for the next 116 years, women lost their entire identity through the loss of their status due to the patrilineal Indian Act. Under section 12, the legislation stated that; “any Indian woman who married a non-Indian man would cease to be an Indian anymore.” In losing their status, Indian women also lost; treaty benefits, health benefits, the right to inherit family property, the right to live on a reserve, and lastly, the right to a burial near family on a reserve.

If you want to be an ally to the Indigenous community, becoming a mentor at Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) is a great opportunity. The Mentorship Program is one of 20+ programs that UNYA offers to Indigenous youth in Vancouver. UNYA is a prevention-focused organization that delivers a broad range of programs and services that meet both the immediate and long-term needs of the youth in the community.

By Bronte Phillips

Maybe you have recently taken one of our courses surrounding Indigenous Awareness and learned new facts about the history of Indigenous Peoples of Canada, or perhaps you read the book, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. A discussion among coworkers or peers arises and you overhear or witness a myth or a stereotype being reinforced. How can you as a non-Indigenous person speak up and share your knowledge without causing shame, guilt or embarrassment and engaging people's inner defence mechanisms?

As Family Day in a number of provinces across Canada approaches in February, it is important to remember the importance of family of all kinds, whether that be maternal, paternal or chosen. You can help Indigenous families out by doing small gestures to show that you care and are committed to reconciliation. Here are 6 low-cost ways of including Indigenous learning with your family.