“For over a century, the central goals of Canada’s Aboriginal policy were to eliminate Aboriginal governments; ignore Aboriginal rights; terminate the Treaties; and, through a process of assimilation, cause Aboriginal peoples to cease to exist as distinct legal, social, cultural, religious, and racial entities in Canada. The establishment and operation of residential schools were a central element of this policy, which can best be described as ‘cultural genocide.’
Physical genocide is the mass killing of the members of a targeted group, and biological genocide is the destruction of the group’s reproductive capacity. Cultural genocide is the destruction of those structures and practices that allow the group to continue as a group. States that engage in cultural genocide set out to destroy the political and social institutions of the targeted group. Land is seized, and populations are forcibly transferred and their movement is restricted. Languages are banned. Spiritual leaders are persecuted, spiritual practices are forbidden, and objects of spiritual value are confiscated and destroyed. And, most significantly to the issue at hand, families are disrupted to prevent the transmission of cultural values and identity from one generation to the next.
In its dealing with Aboriginal people, Canada did all these things….”
~ Introduction – Summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada, Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future
The Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU/CSC) believes that actions speak louder than words, and we support and encourage all our affiliates to speak out and engage in peaceful protests against social and racial injustice. The CCU/CSC believes Indigenous Lives Matter.
We believe that remaining silent on the historical and prevailing injustices against Indigenous peoples in Canada is not only unacceptable, but also contributing to a society in which racism and unequal systems of power continue to go unchecked. We unequivocally believe that all individuals should be able to live without fear of discrimination and harassment regardless of their skin colour or cultural background.
The Confederation of Canadian Unions believes that everyone has the responsibility to educate themselves on the systemic oppression on indigenous people in Canada as well as make strides towards equality and justice. Change must occur now and will require all Canadians working together and listening.
Listen to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People Of Colour) voices, and look for ways to support them and their fight for justice and inclusion. This is what we commit to doing.
We at the CCU/CSC call on everyone to review the Truth and Reconciliation findings and the 94 calls to action to continue to work toward reconciliation and make the steps you can take to support indigenous lives.
“To the [Truth and Reconciliation] Commission, reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.
We are not there yet. The relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples is not a mutually respectful one. But, we believe we can get there, and we believe we can maintain it. Our ambition is to show how we can do that.”
While the Commission has been a catalyst for deepening our national awareness of the meaning and potential of reconciliation, it will take many heads, hands, and hearts, working together, at all levels of society to maintain momentum in the years ahead. It will also take sustained political will at all levels of government and concerted material resources.”
~ Introduction – Summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada, Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future
#indigenouslivesmatter
Written by CCU/CSC Executive, October 2020