12 Days of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
(Original: 12 Days of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples from the Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples blog. Thanks to Jim Partaker, Prairie Spirit TA President, for sharing.)
To celebrate the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Recommendations and Report in 2015 and in the spirit of the holiday season, here are 12 suggestions for what individuals can do to support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples during this holiday season.
On the first day of Reconciliation make a commitment to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 recommendations.
On the second day of Reconciliation make a commitment to learn about the Indian Act and how its policies have contributed to the decline of culture, family units, and traditions and stymied positive socio-economic conditions for Indigenous Peoples.
On the third day of Reconciliation make a commitment to learn about Indian residential schools.
On the fourth day of Reconciliation make a commitment to learn about the history and culture of the Indigenous Peoples in whose traditional territory you live.
On the fifth day of Reconciliation make a commitment to visit an art gallery that features Indigenous art.
On the sixth day of Reconciliation make a commitment to discover Indigenous authors, past and present.
On the seventh day of Reconciliation make a commitment to attend an Indigenous cultural event such as a pow wow. June 21 is National Aboriginal Day which means there are events all across the country.
On the eighth day of Reconciliation make a commitment discourage uncivil dialogue regarding Indigenous Peoples… or any other group for that matter.
On the ninth day of Reconciliation make a commitment to only purchase authentic Indigenous art.
On the tenth day of Reconciliation make a commitment to never practise cultural misappropriation.
On the eleventh day of Reconciliation make a commitment to rid your vocabulary of offensive colloquialisms.
On the twelfth day of Reconciliation make a commitment to continuously expand your Indigenous Awareness.
If you are looking for some free resources to continue on your path of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, here are three free ebooks. Simply click the book cover icon to begin the download.
