Collective Statement for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
As a community collective, we would like to take this opportunity to address the importance of the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to recognizing and honouring the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This day holds immense significance as we seek to foster understanding, empathy, and healing within our community.
For those of us who are settlers or uninvited guests, we recognize that reconciliation requires continuous efforts and a commitment to unlearning and relearning the history, experiences, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. It is essential to acknowledge the painful truths of colonisation, the intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous Communities, and the ongoing struggles they face in the pursuit of justice and equity.
We also encourage our community members to actively participate in their own learning journeys on this significant day. We have compiled a list of recommended resources, including books, documentaries, and online courses. By engaging in personal education, we can all contribute to creating a more inclusive and empathetic community.
While this day serves as a reminder of the painful history faced by Indigenous Peoples, it is also an opportunity for us to come together as a community, embracing the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and healing. We must recognize the resilience, strength, and rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Communities and actively work towards a future built on mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration.
If you are Indigenous, we encourage you to take time for self-care and be in community or in nature to reconnect with Indigenous cultures, languages, traditional Indigenous practices and Knowledge Keepers. We know this day can be a challenging reminder of a harsh history and the ongoing impacts of colonisation, but we hope you take time to take care of yourself.
On this National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous Communities, acknowledging the painful truths of our shared history and committing to the path of Reconciliation, healing, and building a more equitable and inclusive future together. This statement was created with the support of people in Stratford that work in arts, business, travel, government, public service and a wide array of community members and staff who collectively sit on the Equity Community Collective. Interested in getting involved, please email: dei@stratford.ca
Stratford Public Library is proud to host and maintain this website on behalf of the people in Stratford that work in arts, business, travel, government, public service and the wide array of community members and staff who collectively sit on the Equity Community Collective.