Reflecting on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
As an organization focused on disease prevention and health promotion, BC Alliance for Healthy Living (BCAHL) understands that colonization and institutionalized racism are largely responsible for the gap in health outcomes between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples.
As such, BCAHL stands with Indigenous partners and communities in this journey toward reconciliation. We recognize that these are early days and there is much learning and work to be done ahead of us
BCAHL has always been and will remain committed to health equity. We continue this work because, to the Alliance, equity means everyone, including Indigenous peoples throughout the province, have access to culturally appropriate programs and resources that support their health and well-being.
As the work toward reconciliation continues, we encourage everyone to read the Calls to Action, reflect on them and see how you can contribute towards this healing work within your own circles.
We also encourage you to explore the following resources for more learning opportunities about the harms of residential schools, colonization and institutionalized racism, as well as ways you can be an ally and act in a good way.
Resources:
- NCTR Education Presentations (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation)
- These presentations and workshops are delivered by the NCTR upon request and can be tailored to every group or organization’s needs in terms of learning about Indigenous issues and ways they can engage in social action.
- Learning Resources on Decolonization (VIDEA)
- VIDEA’s Decolonization Toolkit is designed to spark growth personally, professionally, organizationally and community-wide. The toolkit can be used in full or in parts, depending on what a group or organization needs. Includes a reading list to deepen understanding of Indigenous issues.
- Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Core Training (San’yas)
- In their Core Training series, San’yas facilitators introduce key aspects of cultural safety and anti-Indigenous racism. Participants will learn how to take action to strengthen cultural safety in relationships, practices and services.
- Indigenous Canada course (University of Alberta)
- Indigenous Canada is a free online course offered by the University of Alberta, which explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. The goal of the course is to provide participants with a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships.
- Resource page (Idle No More)
- Idle No More is a women-led grassroots organization promoting Indigenous rights through working with non-Indigenous allies. They have a variety of resources created by Indigenous land protectors, academics, and community members, designed to help allies dismantle inequities.
