As we approach June, I think about Indigenous History Month and how far we have come as a Nation to provide education and awareness to not only our own people, but to other Canadians. Although there is still a lot of work to be done to implement the TRC’s Calls to Action, MMIGW Calls to Justice, and UNDRIP’s Calls to Action, we can no longer wait for Canada and other provinces to step up and provide the education and awareness needed to update Canadians on the truth. Without the truth, there cannot be reconciliation.
When I was conducting research in 2010, there was very little resources out there that provided information through an Indigenous lens. It was the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and the language that was able to provide me with history, teachings, and cultural practices. Today, a lot of this information is readily available online and there are more and more resources available in comparison to a decade ago. Although we have many Indigenous organizations that provide this information, we still need space for non-Indigenous people to learn the true history and our cultural teachings. Until there is a shared understanding of our shared history, there cannot be reconciliation.
This month, ALS is excited to open the doors to the Indigenous Knowledge Centre. The Indigenous Knowledge Centre is located on the main floor in the new Toronto Court House at 10 Armory Street. The Indigenous Learning Centre will strive to be that hub that can provide workshops, training, and a safe space that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can come together and share information. Workshops can include information on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, MMIGW, UNDRIP, Cultural teachings, Indigenous laws, and systems. In addition, we can support non-Indigenous organizations who need support in incorporating the TRC’s recommendations within their organizations. These workshops and training opportunities will be held not only in June but year-round. To move forward together, we need to work together because the hurt of one is the hurt of all, the honour of one is the honour of all.
Chantell Barker
Executive Director