Working Toward Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Fairware
Marking September 30th as a federal holiday was Action 80 in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action, and work is still being done to address the others. In respecting the importance of this day, Fairware will be closed on September 30th.
In anticipation of this day, we reflected on our work this year and asked what else we could do to educate ourselves and support actionable movement toward reconciliation. Here is what we put together for our team.
2022
Last year in October, we engaged Jennifer Lee Koble and Jennifer Dhoney to provide Anti Indigenous Racism Training for our team. It was a challenging experience, but it provided perspective to help our team be open and committed to doing meaningful work to support Truth and Reconciliation. We sat witness to their stories and took personal accountability towards reconciliation. We acknowledge the privilege most of us share in not having to experience and fully understand the intergenerational harm against our indigenous colleagues. We will be offering it again in the new year for those on our team who haven’t taken the Anti-Indigenous Racism Training with Fairware.
This year we included local and Indigenous businesses and artists in a kitting project for Vancity – check out our blog post as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Vancity Case Study, and we will continue to support these businesses and artists through future projects.
Continued Learning Resources
Read the 94 Calls to Action
94 Acts towards Truth and Reconciliation
Wear Orange
Purchase shirts from Indigenous artists or donate to groups that support those affected by Residential Schools.
Attend Events
BDC E-Learning Course
4 Seasons of Reconciliation
Free | 1-3 Hours
This course provides foundational knowledge on the relationship between Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). It promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation. Take this course on the 30th for concrete steps towards understanding.
Indigenous Made Films
The topics covered across these films may be difficult for some viewers; viewer discretion is advised. I recommend looking into them before watching. Reviews are available on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes.
The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open
Kathleen Hepburn & Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers | Drama (Made in Europe)
The film centres on a chance interaction between two Indigenous women of contrasting lived experiences and socioeconomic positions as they navigate the effects of intimate partner violence.
Where to watch: Just Watch | Apple TV| Crave| Gem
NÎPAWISTAMÂSOWIN: We Will Stand Up
Tasha Hubbard | Documentary
On August 9th, 2016, a young Cree man named Colten Boushie died from a gunshot to the back of his head after entering Gerald Stanley’s rural property with his friends. The jury’s subsequent acquittal of Stanley captured international attention, raising questions about racism embedded within Canada’s legal system and propelling Colten’s family to national and international stages in their pursuit of justice.
Where to watch: Gem
Angry Inuk (2019)
Alethea Arnaquq-Baril | Law and Crime
In her award-winning Documentary, director Alethea Arnaquq-Baril joins a new tech-savvy generation of Inuit as they campaign to challenge long-established perceptions of seal hunting. Armed with social media and their own sense of humour and justice, this group is bringing its own voice into the conversation and presenting itself to the world as a modern people in dire need of a sustainable economy.
Where to watch: Prime
Beans (2022)
Tracey Deer | Drama
Based on true events, this film features chronicles of the 78-day standoff between two Mohawk communities and government forces in 1990 in Quebec.
Where to watch: Rent on Tiff | Bell Lightbox
If there are any resources or events our readers would like to share, please feel free to comment on this post respectfully.