RECONCILIATION: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER - UNDERSTANDING RECONCILIATION
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Furthermore, several people also noted that reconciliation is about trying to close the socio- economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. A few respondents mentioned that there is a need to improve the livelihoods of Indigenous Nations and communities by providing them the same opportunities that non-Indigenous Canadians receive in housing, health, education, economy, and other socio- economic areas. “It is about recognizing that there’s a problem —that Indigenous people were mistreated and taken advantage of. It is about trying to make that right for lack of a better word. - Organization Building relationships was another common theme that emerged with respect to how individual respondents
Why This Is Important The legacy of colonization has resulted in socio-economic gaps between Indigenous and non- Indigenous populations. TRC’s Calls to Action call upon corporate businesses and organizations to ensure that Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and educational opportunities in the corporate sector (TRC).
defined reconciliation. Several people commented that reconciliation is about governments and Indigenous Nations and communities working together to find common ground or define a path forward. A couple of people also stressed that building relationships should happen at all levels within governments, Nations, communities, and organizations. Some Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations also commented on their own experiences in building relationships with Indigenous communities. They emphasized the importance of building relationships that are guided by principles such as respect, authenticity, reciprocity, and effective communication. A few respondents expressed that reconciliation is about giving Indigenous peoples enough control
Why This Is Important Reconciliation is about recognizing how colonial history has impacted the ability of Indigenous Nations and communities to retain self- determination and self-governance; and the significance of BC Housing working to recognize and restore self-determination and self- government. Article 3 of UNDRIP emphasizes Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination, meaning the right to determine their political status and decide how they wish to pursue economic, social, and cultural opportunities (UNDRIP).
to manage their own affairs and make decisions. One respondent elaborated that true reconciliation would mean governments relinquishing control to create space for Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations to make decisions without needing to
seek approval from governing bodies such as BC Housing.
“Reconciliation is about continuing to look at how systems can restrict Indigenous people from taking control of their own affairs and being open to a variety of new perspectives on that. - Indigenous Service Provider
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