TRC93 Call to Action
We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with the national Aboriginal organizations, to revise the information kit for newcomers to Canada and its citizenship test to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including information about the Treaties and the history of residential schools.
Land Acknowledgement
You may notice that land Acknowledgements are offered at the beginning of events that you have attended in your communities. Have you wondered why this acknowledgement takes place? If so, please visit the following site to learn more about this important and necessary practice.
What are land acknowledgements and why do they matter? - United Way Greater Toronto (unitedwaygt.org).
The Land Acknowledgment that we have included here for your review was written by Red Road Compass Inc.
The structure of the acknowledgement is designed to be personal and sincere, it takes into account the geographical locations of the Regional Connections Immigrant Services Inc. office locations and identifies the actual Indigenous peoples who historically resided and continue to reside in those service areas.
This intimate approach to Land Acknowledgments is very important for it reveals that the presenter has taken the time to learn about the specific first peoples of the region… this want to be accurate and informed is key when working towards reconciliation.
Why is it important to learn about Indigenous people and reconciliation?
1)Because there was and still is a significant wrong that has been placed upon the Indigenous peoples of Canada by Canada. This wrong must be acknowledged, addressed and rectified.
2) WE are all related … WE are community members …. linked as parts of an extended family … attached by Nationhood … we have a moral and ethical responsibility to care for one another.
3) The Canadian Indigenous population is growing quickly. (2021 census = 1.8 million people self-identify as Indigenous - Between 2016 and 2021 the Indigenous population grew by 9.4 percent)
4) Investment in education – Federal direct for Provinces to : Develop Curriculum which includes significant Indigenous content. Your children will be / or already have been introduced to Indigenous content in their classrooms … this will be ongoing!
To increase your child's likelihood of success, however you define that, they will need to continue to learn about Indigenous cultures, as well as develop / expand upon their personal relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Would you not like to have a better understanding / appreciation of Indigenous culture so that you can assist them on their learning journey?
Have Questions? Reach Out!
Red Road Compass
Tel: +1 2042814017
Box 2727 Swan River, MB, R0L 1Z0
Email: Redroadcompass@gmail.com
Regional Connections
Immigrant Services
Tel: +1 2043254059
2-295 Perry Street, Winkler, MB - R6W 0K9