Our reflections on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

There is no path to our vision – a strong and inclusive economy that thrives within nature’s limits – that does not include both truth and reconciliation. 

We acknowledge the truth that cultural genocide – perpetuated through colonial practices including residential schools – is an ongoing harm against people. It also harms nature. In seeking to separate Indigenous families from each other and from their lands and waters, the long chain of traditional knowledge about these lands and waters is also threatened.  To destroy the fabric of families, traditions, languages, and economies is to destroy the fabric of our ecosystems. 

We acknowledge that reconciliation includes understanding that Indigenous leadership and stewardship of lands and waters is not only critical to fighting climate change and conserving biodiversity, it is also critical to economic and social innovation. Our future as a society depends on strengthening Indigenous Nationhood and the prosperity of Indigenous communities. 

Acknowledgement is one thing. Acting is another. 

We’ve taken steps in this direction, but we know it’s not enough. As an organization, we are not as far down that road as we want and need to be. Today marks an important moment to reflect on how we move forward further on our commitments, but our efforts extend far beyond this day.  We also know that our work with Indigenous peers and allies must move “at the speed of trust”, as Elder Bob Watts reminded us at the launch of our CANZA Solution Space. 

Today, we are grateful that traditional Indigenous knowledge remains a powerful force for change. We honour the creativity, momentum and strength of our Indigenous partners and peers–their awe-inspiring achievements and the critical work they are doing to marry and advance economic, cultural, social, and environmental values. 

We are honoured to share some of that work here and encourage you to learn more about it for yourself:

Restore Assert Defend (RAD) Network: radnetwork.ca
Climate Institute – Indigenous Research: climateinstitute.ca/indigenous-research
Indigenous Leadership Initiative: ilinationhood.ca
Wahkohtowin Development: wahkohtowin.com
Coast Funds: coastfunds.ca
IISAAK OLAM Foundation: iisaakolam.ca
Conservation Through Reconciliation: conservation-reconciliation.ca
Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources: yourcier.org
The Firelight Group: firelight.ca
First 30×30 Initiative: first30x30.earth
Indigenous Engagement Institute: indigengage.com
Mokwateh: mokwateh.com
Tatâga: tataga.ca
First Nations Major Projects Coalition: fnmpc.ca

Please visit our LinkedIn page to contribute any additional organizations or projects that you feel should be featured here.