With 30 years in any business, you tend to have compiled your fair share of mistakes.
I’ve made plenty myself – some minor, some major.
One recent error – that was fortunately discovered before hitting the publish button – has called to light how a seemingly simple substitution of words can make all the difference in the world.
In the weeks leading up to Sept. 30, I’ve written National Day for Truth and Reconciliation many, many times. Problem is – at least if it hadn't been caught – is that I kept using 'of' instead of 'for'.
Easy mistake to make, right? Sure.
Understandable? Perhaps.
Acceptable? Nope!
Fact is, using ‘of’ in this particular instance would imply truth and reconciliation have already been achieved. I think we know that’s far from the case. The ‘for’ has a unique significance here, emphasizing more work – much more work – lies ahead.
Sadly (even embarrassingly) it took the May 2021 unearthing of mass graves in Kamloops for me to understand and appreciate the gravity of Canada’s dark history when it comes to the abuse of this country’s first inhabitants.
The Residential School system, 60s Scoop, cultural genocide – the horror has many layers.
But remaining mired in blame and criticism doesn’t help move us forward.
As most of us know, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has laid out a 94 Calls to Action mandate for our leaders to enact.
Yes these are significant, and in some cases even groundbreaking. But our government and decision makers really aren’t being asked to move mountains here. These 94 Calls to Action – only a small fraction of which have been truly answered to date – are all achievable. And should be desirable.
So turning to those of us without great power or influence – or so it may seem – what can we do to help forge a path towards truth and reconciliation?
Those in our Indigenous communities could no doubt provide a deeper blueprint to this inquiry, but let me give it a layman’s attempt with a few suggestions.
- If not already doing so, why not initiate a land acknowledgement ritual to start meetings at your workplace or organization. These, I’ve humbly come to learn, hold great significance and are not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. There are many groups like Halton-based Grandmother's Voice that can provide in-depth guidance in this area, but here’s somewhere to get started.
- As with any part of history or anything meaningful really, knowledge is power. So why not take some time and dive into one of the countless Indigenous stories and narratives that have been shared, many in recent years. Goodminds.com has a vast selection.
- Having recently partnered with Grandmother’s Voice, the Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable now has a unique opportunity to learn and grow. HEDR has 85 group members representing thousands of individuals across the region. Consider joining their ranks.
- Country Heritage Park (8560 Tremaine Rd.) and your local library have a number of Indigenous-based programs and services, and not just around Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day. Why not explore what’s available.
- To say there’s numerous Indigenous communities throughout Ontario – some not so far from us – in need of all types of assistance would be an understatement. Here’s a starting point of some of the groups you can support.
Of course this is by no means a complete list, and exactly how this country and its original people achieve truth and reconciliation is not for me to say.
But I do feel we can’t just leave it up to the powers that be.
Part of the solution, it seems, has to be about reaching a critical mass of awareness and acceptance of our dark past and declaring with a collective voice that all of our cultures and ways of life have value and a real place in our society.
It’s a grand hope, but one I think most people believe is attainable.
