Truth and Reconciliation Day – Supporting Indigenous Communities Supports

Truth and Reconciliation Day – Supporting Indigenous Communities Supports

This weekend, Indigenous communities across the province will be commemorating Truth and Reconciliation Day and celebrating the beginning of Mi’kmaq Heritage Month.  

Truth and Reconciliation Day calls for all of us to recognize and take action to address issues faced by the Indigenous community as a result of the harmful legacy of Residential Schools. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) released a summary report in 2015, outlining 94 Calls to Action, to address a variety of ways we as individuals and as a collective can better support the Indigenous community in Canada. 

Though many of the Calls to Action do not speak directly to homelessness, we know that Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by homelessness, especially within metropolitan areas like Halifax where Indigenous people account for about 4% of the population but make up over a quarter of the region's homeless population. Issues surrounding homelessness do not exist in a silo,  they are a direct result of colonization and residential schools ‘ongoing negative impact on the livelihood of Indigenous people. 

Supporting parents raising children in culturally appropriate environments can connect children with their families and community, increasing their likelihood of thriving as young adults. If we create learning environments that are accessible and culturally appropriate to ensure Indigenous people are given the opportunity to refine and use their skills, we can increase their likelihood of graduating from school and finding employment. When we take steps to reinforce the importance of consent and address gender-based violence and domestic violence, it can eliminate the number of Indigenous people going missing and murdered within this country. 

We can all play a role in addressing the effects that colonization and residential schools have on Indigenous communities. Advocating and creating safe, affordable, and accessible homes are one of many steps we need to take to support the growth and livelihood of Indigenous people and families within Nova Scotia and across the country.  

To learn more about the 94 Calls to Action written by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, click here.

- Trina James Cultural and Diversity Manager