The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada believes that for Canada to flourish in the 21st century, reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians follows ten principles.
Read What We Have Learned: Principles of Truth and Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
The Principles
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) provides the framework for Reconciliation at all levels and across all sectors of Canadian society.
Learn more:
"The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" by Karine Duhamel, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Dialogue on Implementing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through Canada's Bill C-15, Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, University of British Columbia
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Province of British Columbia
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, as the original peoples of this country and as self-determining peoples, have Treaty, constitutional and human rights that must be recognized and respected.
Learn more:
Tanya Talaga on the Indian Act, The Walrus
The Indian Act Explained, "The Agenda," TVO Today
Rights Sector Issue: Treaty Negotiations, Rights & Justice Branch, Assembly of First Nations
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Assembly of First Nations
Indigenous Writes by Chelsea Vowel
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
Reconciliation is a process of healing relationships that requires public Truth sharing, apology, and commemoration that acknowledge and redress past harms.
Learn more:
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Our Stories, Open Library, eCampusOntario
Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Pulling Together: Foundations Guide by Kory Wilson and Colleen Hodgson (MNBC), Kory Wilson, BCcampus
Reconciliation requires constructive action on addressing the ongoing legacies of colonialism that have had destructive impacts on Indigenous peoples’ education, cultures and languages, health, child welfare, the administration of justice, and economic opportunities and prosperity.
Learn more:
"Nursing and Indigenous Peoples’ Health: Reconciliation in Practice" by Maureen Fitzhenry, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
"Why Reconciliation? Why Now?" by By Karine Duhamel, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Bartering with the Bones of the Dead by Laurie Arnold
Selkirk College Policy 8645: Exemption from International Fees
Season 1: Foundations of Knowledge, Outdoor Learning Store
Reconciliation must create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing the gaps in social, health, and economic outcomes that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Learn more:
In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care
Indigenous Education Protocol, Colleges & Institutes Canada, Signed by Selkirk College
All Canadians, as Treaty peoples, share responsibility for establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships.
Learn more:
"First Nations and Higher Education: The Four R's — Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, Responsibility" by Verna J. Kirkness, Ray Barnhardt, Journal of American Indian Education, JSTOR
"Indigenization as Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Decolonization: Navigating the Different Visions for Indigenizing the Canadian Academy" by Adam Gaudry, Danielle Lorenz, Sage Journals
The perspectives and understandings of Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge-Keepers about the ethics, concepts, and practices of Reconciliation are vital to long-term reconciliation.
Learn more:
Nanihtsulyaz ‘int’en (Do Things Gently) ʔes zuminstwáx kt (We Take Care of One Another) by Taylor Devine, Marlene Erickson, Barb Hulme, Darlene McIntosh, Amelia Washington and Carina Nilsson (illustrator), BCcampus
“Viewpoints” on Reconciliation: Indigenous Perspectives for Post-Secondary Education in the Southern Interior of BC by Christopher Horsethief, PhD, Dallas Good Water, MA, Harron Hall, BA, Jessica Morin, MA, Roy Pogorzelski, MSc, PhD (Candidate) and Michele Morin
Pulling Together: A Guide for Researchers, Hiłḵ̓ala by Dianne Biin, Deborah Canada, John Chenoweth and Lou-ann Neel, BCcampus
Supporting Indigenous peoples’ cultural revitalization and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, oral histories, laws, protocols, and connections to the land into the Reconciliation process are essential.
Learn more:
Buffy with Falen Johnson, CBC Podcasts, CBC Listen
Reclaimed with Celeigh Cardinal, Live Radio, CBC Listen
Reconciliation requires political will, joint leadership, trust-building, accountability, and transparency, as well as a substantial investment of resources.
Learn more:
"Reconciliation Fund Plan Would Allow Victoria Homeowners to Donate to First Nations via Property Tax," CBC News
Pulling Together: A Guide for Front-Line Staff, Student Services, and Advisors by Ian Cull, Robert L. A. Hancock, Stephanie McKeown, Michelle Pidgeon and Adrienne Vedan, BCcampus
Pulling Together: A Guide for Leaders and Administrators by Sybil Harrison, Janice Simcoe, Dawn Smith and Jennifer Stein, BCcampus
Reconciliation requires sustained public education and dialogue, including youth engagement, about the history and legacy of residential schools, Treaties, and Indigenous rights, as well as the historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society.
Learn more:
"Top 10 Indigenous Podcasts," Raven
Pulling Together: A Guide for Curriculum Developers by Asma-na-hi Antoine, Rachel Mason, Roberta Mason, Sophia Palahicky and Carmen Rodriguez de France, BCcampus
Pulling Together: A Guide for Teachers and Instructors by Bruce Allan, Amy Perreault, John Chenoweth, Dianne Biin, Sharon Hobenshield, Todd Ormiston, Shirley Anne Hardman, Louise Lacerte, Lucas Wright and Justin Wilson, BCcampus
This image depicts the Grandmother Drum, which was made by the late Wayne George (Anishinaabe) who also painted the drum skin. George illustrated the seven grandfather teachings surrounding a turtle on a drum. These are "Anishinaabe guiding principles passed down from generation to generation to guide the Anishinaabe in living a good life in peace and without conflict" (Seven Generations Education Institute). We thank him for sharing his teachings with us at the college and his kindness, gentle and firm guidance as we built our awareness of reconciliation.