Healthy Communities • YMCA Events
YMCA staff are learning about the history of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples
21 June 2018 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Today marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. As we pursue our vision of making our communities home to the healthiest, children, teens, young adults and families, the YMCA of Greater Toronto believes we have an important role in achieving mutually respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples — including learning about and honouring the history of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and considering all our roles in facilitating healing.
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we are committed to building greater awareness about the history of local Indigenous cultures and current issues facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It’s important that we share more about this history with our staff and that we continue to learn, honour, and connect as part of the YMCA’s commitment to diversity and social inclusion. One of the ways we are doing this is by partnering with Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). With leadership from the OFIFC, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to continue offering Indigenous Cultural Competency Training sessions.
Through Indigenous Cultural Competency Training, as well as online courses and resources like Indigenous Canada and Reconciliation through Indigenous Education, we have been learning about the diversity of Indigenous people, the ongoing impact of colonialism, and the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of Canada. YMCA staff are also encouraged to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and to understand how we and all Canadians are being urged to move from apology to action. The Hon. Senator Murray Sinclair, Former Chair, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has emphasized that “Reconciliation is about forging and maintain respectful relationships. There are no shortcuts.” He also says, “It’s time that Canadians started talking with all their neighbours.”
At a recent presentation, Renu Mandhane, the Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, explained that “reconciliation requires what a good friendship requires.” The four suggestions from Renu Mandhane for what reconciliation requires include respect, honesty, sharing and strength.
At the root of all understanding and human connection is the desire to learn and grow. By honouring our diverse heritage, cultures, and achievements, we can move towards this path and sow seeds to flourish for generations to come.
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we are committed to building greater awareness about the history of local Indigenous cultures and current issues facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It’s important that we share more about this history with our staff and that we continue to learn, honour, and connect as part of the YMCA’s commitment to diversity and social inclusion. One of the ways we are doing this is by partnering with Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). With leadership from the OFIFC, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to continue offering Indigenous Cultural Competency Training sessions.
Through Indigenous Cultural Competency Training, as well as online courses and resources like Indigenous Canada and Reconciliation through Indigenous Education, we have been learning about the diversity of Indigenous people, the ongoing impact of colonialism, and the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of Canada. YMCA staff are also encouraged to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and to understand how we and all Canadians are being urged to move from apology to action. The Hon. Senator Murray Sinclair, Former Chair, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has emphasized that “Reconciliation is about forging and maintain respectful relationships. There are no shortcuts.” He also says, “It’s time that Canadians started talking with all their neighbours.”
At a recent presentation, Renu Mandhane, the Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, explained that “reconciliation requires what a good friendship requires.” The four suggestions from Renu Mandhane for what reconciliation requires include respect, honesty, sharing and strength.
At the root of all understanding and human connection is the desire to learn and grow. By honouring our diverse heritage, cultures, and achievements, we can move towards this path and sow seeds to flourish for generations to come.
