The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is observed nation-wide on September 30each year. The day allows us to acknowledge the harm done by the residential school system, honour the resilience of Indigenous peoples, promote dialogue and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
At the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), we understand that our organization plays a vital role in promoting cultural awareness and fostering an inclusive society. To align with this mission, throughout the year, we commit to a series of internal activities to facilitate reflection and learning about Truth and Reconciliation.
For example, ahead of every staff meeting, we begin with a land acknowledgment. This gives our staff and the presenters a moment to reflect on the lands on which we work and live on. We are asked to share our individual connections with the land. For more information on how you can create a meaningful land acknowledgment, visit this resource on native-land.ca.
This year, CCA staff also watched a documentary called It Had To Be Done by Tessa Desnomie. This short documentary explores the legacy of residential schools through the eyes of two extraordinary women who not only lived it, but who, as adults, made the surprising decision to return to the school that had affected their lives so profoundly. This intimate and moving film affirms their strength and dignity in standing up and making a difference on their own terms.
Following viewing the documentary, staff were given an open forum to share their thoughts, which included questions about the history of residential schools, questions around formal apologies issued from the Canadian government, and how we can promote healing and Reconciliation.
“As we continue this journey of truth and reconciliation, we are reminded of the importance of reverence, empathy, and a commitment to change. By fostering a culture of understanding and respect within our organization, we hope to contribute to the broader movement for truth and reconciliation in Canada. What I hope for the CCA, as we come together to commemorate truth and reconciliation, is that it doesn’t stop today. We will continue our work through the Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus (ICC), promotion, coalitions, and awareness, remaining culturally sensitive and acceptable to Indigenous peoples,” said Dr. Ayla Azad, CEO of the CCA.
The journey toward truth and reconciliation in Canada is ongoing, and it requires the commitment of individuals, communities, and organizations. At the CCA, we believe that the change we seek in the world begins with ourselves. Our internal initiatives have allowed our staff to engage in reflection, learn from Indigenous voices, and take steps toward becoming better allies in the process of reconciliation.
Here are some more educational resources that our team has found helpful in this journey of understanding truth and reconciliation in Canada:
- Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Actions – https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
- National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – calls for justice – https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report
- National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation – https://nctr.ca
- Legacy of Hope Foundation – https://legacyofhope.ca
- Read Indigenous – https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/books-video-music/books/booklists/read-indigenous.jsp