September 30 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour the lost children and survivors of Canadian Residential Schools – as well as their families and communities. It also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children and to educate Canadians about the impact that Residential Schools, and school systems, had on our Indigenous Communities.
As a national industry association, TECHNATION, is commemorating this day with acknowledgement, reflection, and education with all staff.
TECHNATION’S RESPONSE TO THE TRC CALL TO ACTION
Our goal as a leading national industry association is to ensure we continue to support external diversity initiatives across the Canadian tech sector that provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples. We also support internal diversity measures and encourage staff to provide input on ways we can advance our own diversity initiatives. Currently TECHNATION is working with and seeking out Indigenous community partners.
OUR COMMITMENTS TO THE “BUSINESS AND RECONCILIATION” CALL TO ACTION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released 94 Calls to Action in 2015 to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.
In observation of this day, I recommend that we all review these calls to action to see where we can practice meaningful reconciliation in our own lives, as well as in our professional relationships with Indigenous people.
Angela Mondou
President and CEO
TECHNATION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released 94 Calls to Action in 2015 to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. As a Canadian enterprise, TECHNATION is committed to the “Business and Reconciliation” Call to Action. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:
I. Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.
II. Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
III. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
TECHNATION remains committed to actively learning, unlearning and improving in all of these areas – and walking down the ‘road to better’ always.