Historic week for Indigenous reconciliation efforts for British Columbia, Canada

This has been somewhat of a benchmark week for the First Nations, Inuit and Metis across Canada, with two significant events taking place that move forward on the goals towards reconciliation.

Earlier this week, the British Columbia Government outlined its action plan towards furthering the roadmap on consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples in the province.

The plan as outlined by Premier John Horgan on Wednesday, is one which will drive change through 89 specific actions in every ministry of the government, framed as part of the provincial implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“This plan is a first for any government in the world. It will drive transformative change in the relationship with Indigenous Peoples and help us build a brighter future for everyone. By working together in partnership, we are creating more opportunities, better jobs and stronger environment protections. This is a roadmap that builds on the progress we have made – a new way forward and another important step towards meaningful reconciliation.”

Among some of the commitments that are included in the Declaration Act Action Plan:

Recognize Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights, interests and legal orders

Support Indigenous students to lead graduation rates and pursue to their own excellence

Enable all Indigenous Peoples to live free from racism and discrimination

Share decision-making and pursue new fiscal relationships

Improve the health and well-being of Indigenous families

End the epidemic of Indigenous children in government care.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs was one of a number of Indigenous representatives to speak to the Action plan of this week. 

 "Two years ago, the seeds of change were sown – a future rife with the promises of true transformation and reconciliation became possible with the historic passage of the Declaration Act. Make no mistake, there have been and there will continue to be numerous obstacles that challenge the work being done to revolutionize and rebuild a relationship that has long been mired in colonial violence and discrimination. 

Today is not only a day of celebration but a day of reflection and accountability. We must reflect on the processes, frameworks and institutions that continue to deny the Title and Rights of First Nations, enact tremendous harm upon our communities and perpetuate a colonial cycle of marginalization and violence. 

We must hold our governments and those in positions of power accountable for their actions and their commitments to the Declaration Act. With hope in our hearts we celebrate, reflect and continue the fight for change.”

A full overview, along with further commentary on the Action Plan can be reviewed here. 

The full presentation of the Action Plan can be viewed below:

This morning also provided for another pivotal moment towards accountability and responsibility for the past and an opportunity to move forward into the future.

That came out of the Vatican, where Pope Francis apologized to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada for the role of Catholics in the Operation of the residential school system in Canada.

“For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God's forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon.  

It is chilling to think of determined efforts to instill a sense of inferiority, to rob people of their cultural identity, to sever their roots, and to consider all the personal and social effects that this continues to entail: unresolved traumas that have become intergenerational traumas,” 

Further to his comments, the Pope spoke to what he had heard this week during his discussions with Indigenous leaders, engagements which left him with indignation and shame.

“Without real indignation, without historical memory and without a commitment to learning from past mistakes, problems remain unresolved and keep coming back. We can see this these days in the case of war. The memory of the past must never be sacrificed at the altar of alleged progress,”

“For the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values.”

The Vatican's review of the week can be examined here, the Pope's address and the presentations from the delegation in Rome of today can be reviewed below:

The session with the Pope, one which Assembly of First Nations has described as a historic step, the statement and apology from Pope Francis came following a week of meetings with Indigenous, Inuit and Metis representatives who had come to Rome to address the Vatican on the Residential Schools and to seek acknowledgement of the institutions of the Church in the system.

“I am honoured to have led the delegation to the Vatican and to stand with survivors, youth and knowledge keepers and to be joined by our Métis and Inuit brothers and sisters. The acknowledgment of genocide and the apology offered today by Pope Francis is a significant gesture and an historic step to fulfilling the requests of the former residential school students which is supported by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #58. The next step is an apology to all our original nation of families in our home, Turtle Island.” -- FN NWT Regional Chief Gerald Antoine.

In addition to the historic words of the Pontiff this morning, came a promise to come to Canada later this year to visit Indigenous communities and to meet with the survivors of those schools and their families.

Towards that Chief Antoine observed of the work ahead in preparation for the Pope's visit and what may come from that encounter in the future.

“We leave Rome optimistic to receive an apology offered to all our nation of families when the Pope visits Turtle Island later this year. I humbly stand in unity with the full AFN, Métis and Inuit delegation respecting all survivors of residential institutions and their families and encourage us to look forward, to host and welcome Pope Francis’s visit to our homeland. There is still much work to be done for the planning and decision making for this potential visit.”

Further details on the observations from the Indigenous delegation can be reviewed here.

More on the visit of the Indigenous representatives can be explored here.

The Prime Minster issued a statement shortly after the Pope's response to Indigenous leaders, noting of the history of the residential school system in Canada and how the Pope's words today will respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to Action.

“An apology by the Pope to residential school Survivors and their families delivered in Canada will specifically respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #58.

 I look forward to His Holiness Pope Francis apologizing in Canada at the request of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The Government of Canada is fully committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action."

More notes on the themes from Victoria and Rome this week can be explored further through our political blog D'Arcy McGee.

Ottawa Observations

Victoria Viewpoints