Getting ready for Canada’s new National Day of Truth & Reconciliation: What is UBC’s Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation?

This month, in honour of Orange Shirt Day and the newly introduced National Day of Truth & Reconciliation, the VPFO’s EDI Committee will be sharing a series of blogs to drive awareness of the legacy of residential schools and to help us all foster a commitment to reconciliation.

So far, we’ve looked at why the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) calls to action are important to all Canadians, and how the United Nations Declaration for the Recognition of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) protects the fundamental rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond.

As an entity created by and governed under provincial legislation, UBC, like all post-secondary institutions in Canada, has played a role in colonization. To many Indigenous students, faculty and staff, colonialism is still a daily reality at UBC. This week, we’ll focus on UBC’s commitment to truth and reconciliation.

What is UBC’s commitment to truth & reconciliation?

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada called on all governments in Canada to fully adopt and implement UNDRIP. As a public university in British Columbia, this expectation also extended to us.

In response, UBC launched a new Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) in 2020, which builds on the previous work and engagement that formed the 2009 Aboriginal Strategic Plan. Developed through extensive dialogue with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the UBC community, the ISP commits to reviewing university policies and practices to ensure they live up to the requirements of the UNDRIP and other human rights standards.

The ISP sets out a series of eight goals and 43 actions the university will collectively take to advance the rights of Indigenous peoples. To support the implementation of these goals and actions, UBC has launched a new Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (OISI) this year and will begin allocating the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund across the two campuses next year.

To read the plan in full, visit https://indigenous.ubc.ca/indigenous-engagement/indigenous-strategic-plan/.

What is your commitment to truth & reconciliation?

Engaging with Indigenous people and issues is an ongoing process that requires time, consistency, and commitment. Here are some tangible steps you can take to support truth and reconciliation at UBC and advance in your personal journey of reconciliation:

  1. Read about the history of the Indigenous people in the surrounding areas and at UBC. We encourage you to take a moment to review the resources available on the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) and Indian Residential School Initiative websites.
  2. View these videos available on the Indian Residential School Initiative website
  3. Visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC and the Musqueam Cultural Education Resource Centre Gallery to learn more about local and global Indigenous histories and cultures.
  4. Consult experts and resources to gain a better understanding of what reconciliation at UBC looks like and how to navigate conversations about Indigenous issues.
  5. Commit to taking steps to learn and teach about Indigenous peoples, as well as gaining an increased appreciation of the histories and cultural diversity of Indigenous people. Use this self-assessment tool to reflect on your role at UBC within the context of Indigenous engagement.
  6. Volunteer in local Truth and Reconciliation events to show your support. For ways to volunteer, refer to the Indian Residential School Initiative website.
  7. Share resources and events within your network to raise awareness.

For more information about the seven steps in the truth and reconciliation process, please visit the Indian Residential School Initiative website.

 

This week’s discussion: What is your personal commitment to truth and reconciliation?
Share your thoughts with us on this digital jamboard