Reconciliation is in the wind, a wind that is heralding change across the country. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) opened hearts and minds, inspired a growing movement to repair the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, and provided 94 Calls to Action to guide us.
Over the TRC’s mandate, we listened, we witnessed powerful truths, we shared emotions and we were transformed. Now, more than ever, we need to respond.
Education for Reconciliation: Call to Action #62
This year, Kairos’ Winds of Change campaign will focus on TRC Call to Action #62.
KAIROS and the Legacy of Hope Foundation agree with the TRC that education is the key to reconciliation. #62 calls for the residential school legacy, Treaties and past and present Indigenous contributions to this country to be a mandatory part of the curriculum in each province and territory. This is crucial – without a shared understanding of how our collective past brought us to where we are today, we will not be able to walk together into a better future. As the campaign progresses, KAIROS will focus on additional Calls to Action.
What You Can Do
- Send an electronic letter to your MPP/MLA calling for implementation of Call to Action 62.1
- Read the report card to see how close each province and territory is to making this change to the curriculum.
- Host a workshop or event to bring you and your community into the Winds of Change campaign.
- Meet with provincial representatives and education authorities. We’ll have more information soon.
- Participate in Mass Blanket Exercises across the country in June 2016. We’ll have more information soon.
Together, we can change the education system and help transform Canadian society. We have momentum to build on, thanks to those who have come before us: residential school Survivors, activists, organizations, educators and others who have for years been calling for every student to learn the true history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Join the Winds of Change and be a voice for reconciliation through education!
http://www.kairoscanada.org/what-we-do/indigenous-rights/windsofchange-overview