Reconciliation
ReconciliACTION
At Calgary Learns, we are committed to the work of Reconciliation. We know that the ‘weaponization’ of education through the sorrow systems (Residential Schools, Day Schools, and the Sixties Scoop, institutionalized racism, etc.) has led to generations of disrupted education pathways for many Indigenous adults. Systemic inequities still exist.
As an organization committed to supporting foundational learning opportunities, our work is to:
- Learn about our shared history
- Understand our role in supporting
- Indigenous learning pathways
- Explore ways to build stronger relationships with Indigenous communities
- Recognize our responsibility to listen, act with care, and walk alongside our community partners
We continue to listen and learn through conversations with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and service providers. Their guidance shapes our work, ensuring it is meaningful and relevant.
“Together, Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation: we must learn how to practice reconciliation in our everyday lives”
– Truth & Reconciliation, Calls to Action, Principles of Reconciliation. pg 11
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that we are situated in Calgary, Moh’kinstsis, the traditional and ancestral territory of the Treaty 7 Nations, including:
- The Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, and the Piikani Nations
- The Îyârhe Nakoda Nations: Chinook, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney
- The Tsuut’ina Nation
We also recognize Calgary Nose Hill Métis District 5, and Calgary Elbow Métis District 6, whose history and ongoing contributions enrich this place.
As the staff and Board of Calgary Learns, we honour the learning traditions that have existed on this land since time immemorial. Indigenous communities have long practiced teaching, knowledge sharing, language preservation, and community-based learning – principles that guide and inspire our strategic goals.
Our Journey
Our journey toward Reconciliation began decades ago through our participation in the Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative (CUAI).
We were proud to establish our Indigenous Grant Stream in 2016 to support the unique learning needs of Indigenous adult learners. Our granting processes were established by the Indigenous Education Liaison at that time, with the direction of the Indigenous community leaders and an Elder Advisory Group. As per their advice, we include parallel granting processes. These include:
- A review team comprised of Indigenous community leaders to make program recommendations
- Oral components to both our application and reporting processes
We are committed to continuing ReconciliACTION. We will continue to walk alongside Indigenous communities and have their voices guide us to move forward in a good way.
Here are some valuable resources that have supported our reconciliation journey:
- USAY Indigenous Literacy Assessment – 2021
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Reports and Findings
- Government of Canada – Progress on TRC Calls to Action
- Reclaiming Power and Place: Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous Ally Toolkit – Calgary Foundation
- White Goose Flying – City of Calgary