RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - UNDERSTANDING RECONCILIATION
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What We Heard INDIGENOUS NATIONS, COMMUNITIES, AND ORGANIZATIONS 4.3.1.1 Defining Reconciliation We heard from Indigenous Nations, communities, and
Why This Is Important Reconciliation should not be used in an unauthentic way as an empty word. It needs to have meaning within BC Housing and be supported by action.
organizations that reconciliation is a process of acknowledging past and current wrongs against
Indigenous peoples. It involves recognizing that colonial policies and practices harmed Indigenous peoples and contributed to socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. For example, one respondent shared how the creation of the reserve system harmed their community, and stated:
“… A lot of the people are saying that this [the colonial past] is why most of our people are homeless. It is because we were forced to move three towns over to where we are now, which is not our traditional territory. - Indigenous Nation
We also heard that the pursuit of reconciliation requires education and engaging in an ongoing process of learning about Indigenous peoples, including their experiences, histories, cultures, languages, and ways of knowing and being. In addition, some respondents emphasized that it is important to acknowledge Indigenous peoples’ rights and title to their traditional territories. A few Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations discussed that they are committed to a process of learning and generating awareness within their own organizations. Some organizations have implemented training for all their staff members because they recognize that everyone’s experience and level of understanding is different. We heard from a couple of respondents that reconciliation is a long process that will require time and commitment to deepening understandings: “Reconciliation is far more than just a point or a
Why This Is Important Reconciliation is a long-term learning process; it is about multiple, complex, and often uncomfortable conversations to truly embrace what reconciliation means and the time needed for healing. TRC’s Calls to Action suggest that organizations like BC Housing educate their management and staff on Indigenous history, rights and title, cultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism (TRC).
paper, it’s a process—a long process that needs a deeper understanding. It’s something that’s taken generations and generations to get here. It will take time for the effects to be addressed and for healing to take place. - Indigenous Housing Provider
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