We at BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) believe that it is possible – and necessary – to create communities where it’s easy for everyone to be healthy and well. At the heart of the Healthy Communities approach is equity, the fair distribution of opportunities, power and resources. Vitally, implementing equitable policies and processes requires an understanding that health and well-being/wellness are contextual, culturally-rooted concepts. True equity entails providing communities with opportunities, power and resources to define those concepts based on their own cultural understanding, and to determine for themselves how best to get there. Supporting Indigenous communities as they assert their right to self-determination through this and other processes is a priority for BCHC. As part of this, our organization is committed to and participates in ongoing learning, reflection, and action toward fostering meaningful, inclusive opportunities for Truth and Reconciliation on a daily basis.
Recommended resources for those looking to learn more:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation A a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network APTN will offer a full day of programs to support learning about the significance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Beyond 94 – Truth and Reconciliation in Canada Provides up-to-date status reports on each call to action, as well as extensive summaries explaining those status reports. It includes in-depth features and short video documentaries that tell some of the community stories behind the calls to action. It also features residential school survivors sharing their experiences.
Beyond 94 Residential School Map An interactive map showing locations and some details of residential schools that have existed across Canada.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion resources – Community of Practice Sessions: Indigenous Inclusion 2.0 This CoP takes participants through the Commission’s recommendations related to the workplace, sharing locally relevant issues around Indigenous inclusion, and providing examples of ways employers can work toward meaningful reconciliation.
First Nations Health Authority NDTR Event Listings Across BC Find a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event in your region in the listings on this page.
Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta Online course A free online course from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies exploring key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective.
Orange Shirt Day – An NFB Playlist A collection of films about residential schools in Canada.
Reconciliation Canada Toolkits Community Action Toolkits for individuals and governments providing guidance and ideas on how to start the reconciliation conversation.
Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline A brief overview of the timeline of residential schools and the apologies by government for the residential school system.