June 10, 2021
by Melanie Reed
As most, if not all of you listening to this are aware, on May 27, 2021, Chief Rosanne Casimir of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc announced the discovery of the remains of 215 children buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School.
As an uninvited guest who lives, works and plays on the traditional, unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people, I extend my deepest condolences, regrets and respect for all the people, families and communities directly, indirectly and intergenerationally affected by this discovery and the loss of these children. These acts of genocide against Indigenous people and communities are reprehensible.
In an effort to amplify Indigenous voices rather than my own, I am going to use any space that would have been Episode 31 of the The HR Mentor to share resources on how you can educate yourself on Canada’s treatment of Indigenous People, how you can support Indigenous People in their healing and protection of their land, how you can amplify Indigenous voices through art and how you can implement employment practices that help create truly equitable employment opportunities.
This list of resources and suggestions is in no way complete or all encompassing. I have compiled it on my own based on my own research. I encourage you to take this as a starting place and the to engage in your own discovery, learning and unlearning.
I am not an expert in any of this. I am merely a fellow learner on a journey to do better.
Today I invite you to join me.
LEARN:
Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
- I encourage you to start here by watching this video message from Murray Sinclair, the Chair of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada, then read the Calls to Action. There are specific calls related to Educators, the Business Community, Public Servants and Missing and Buried Children.
- https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation - University of Manitoba
- Includes a list of events and learning opportunities.
University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies MOOC Indigenous Canada
- Register and learn about the history and current experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. I took this 13-week course with my Mom last year and it was eye-opening and informative. It is Free to take, but I highly recommend the $60 fee to get the certificate and more importantly support the work of these educators and their programs.
- https://www.coursera.org/learn/indigenous-canada
UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Read this important document.
- https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html
Clean Water, Broken Promises
- Investigation into water issues for First Nations.
- https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bb4aafad052643f0bf5080ce50895207
- Read and watch the news from an Indigenous Peoples perspective.
- https://www.aptnnews.ca/
National Indigenous History Month
- Learn about the history from Indigenous People.
- https://www.aptnnews.ca/aboriginal-history-month/
SUPPORT:
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Donations
- Support the scientific and archival work needed to identify and protect the 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School by donating directly.
- Donations can be made at donations@kib.ca. Cheques can be made out to Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc and mailed to 200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1
Orange Shirt Day Society
- Buy a shirt, learn about Orange Shirt Day and the story behind it and support this wonderful society.
- https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society
- This organization provides support to Indian Residential School Survivors, their families and anyone facing intergenerational trauma. The website also offers opportunities to educate yourself.
- https://www.irsss.ca/
1492 Land Back Lane Legal Defense Fund
- Learn more and donate here https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/sovereignty-in-action/1492-land-back-lane
Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society
- [In their own words] "Indigenous people in Canada are suffering from the aftermath of government imposed cultural genocide, residential school system, poverty, lack of access to heath care, mental heath services, employment and higher education opportunities. This inequity has plagued Indigenous individuals, families and communities for generations. In order to have a growing impact on improving these chronic issues, the Copper Legacy Society mandate is towards the empowerment of Indigenous people with projects and programs focused around the following four segments: revitalization, enhancement, empowerment, and legacy."
- https://www.copperlegacy.org/
- "The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is part of Gord Downie’s legacy and embodies his commitment, and that of his family, to improving lives of First Peoples in Canada. In collaboration with the Wenjack Family, the goal of the Fund is to continue the conversation that began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story, and to aid our collective reconciliation journey through a combination of awareness, education, and action."
- Soundcloud recordings of Indigenous Peoples stories from A Day For Listening.
SHOP:
- Indigenous Art Collective - https://passthefeather.org/
- Totem Design House (art, sustianable clothing and more) - https://totemdesignhouse.ca/
- Indigenous Owned Businesses to Support - https://vitruvi.ca/blogs/impact-and-identity/indigenous-owned-businesses-to-support
- Shop First Nations - https://shopfirstnations.com/
- Strong Nations Book (and gift) Store - https://www.strongnations.com/
READ:
The Inconvenient Indiant - A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King
Indians on Vacation by Thomas King
From the Ashes: My story of being Metis, Homeless, and Finding my Way by Jesse Thistle
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
Johnny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead
Calling My Spirit Back by Elaine Alec
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Hill Kimmerer
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (currently reading)
Recommended Reading by the Canadian Women’s Foundation
https://canadianwomen.org/blog/8-indigenous-womens-voices-you-need-to-hear/
LISTEN:
Matriarch Movement Podcast by The Brand is Female
Coffee with My Ma - Ma's Picks by Kaniehtiio Horn
A Day For Listening by Downie Wenjack Fund - Indigenous People's Stories
WATCH:
- nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up - A powerful documentary by Tasha Hubbard about the Murder of Colton Bushie.
- Trickster a popular series on CBC Gem based on the book Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. The book was a finalist in the 2020 Canada Reads competition.
EMPLOY:
- Learn about Special Programs under BC Human Rights and how it can help create more equitable hiring experiences.
- First Nations Jobs - advertise your job here
- Indigenous Professionals Network & Career Site
- Indigenous Link Career Site - Job Postings, career and community guidance
The discovery of these children's remains is very upsetting and traumatizing. If you need support with grief or processing this information please reach out:
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
Support is also available for anyone affected by the lingering effects of residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066