The Action Plan on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a plan created by Global Affairs Canada that outlines the department’s goals and strategies for advancing the rights and prosperity of Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world from 2021 to 2025. The plan includes annual progress reports to assess the department’s progress in meeting these goals.
Here, your trusted Indigenous reconciliation training experts share what you need to know about this Action Plan:
Reconciliation means improving Global Affairs Canada’s engagement with the Indigenous peoples in Canada and the rest of the world. This includes listening, working with, and supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada and other Indigenous peoples globally. It involves strengthening our understanding of them and respecting their rights, cultures, traditions, histories, and perspectives. It also demands a higher level of commitment to addressing various challenges, including systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in the community and the workplace.
Canada is standing on the ancestral lands of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It is, however, a country that historically has denied Indigenous peoples their rights. This was done through assimilationist policies and certain practices that included the residential school system.
Global Affairs Canada had a role in the country’s colonial history and now has the responsibility of promoting systemic change. Global Affairs Canada will speed up its efforts to forge stronger relationships with the Indigenous peoples in Canada. Walking the shared path of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the country is not just about correcting the wrongs of the past but also working together to establish a much better future.
Our efforts must ensure that employees with First Nations, Inuit, and Inuit and Métis heritage will be welcomed, respected, and encouraged to thrive in their work. We aim to establish inclusive work culture across the country and implement meaningful progress in Indigenous employees’ recruitment and career progress.
Promoting a Human Rights-Based Approach
In 2016, Canada fully endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which is a commitment to respecting and implementing the rights of all Indigenous peoples. In 2021, a Royal Assent was received by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and came into force at once. The legislation advanced the implementation of the Declaration as a significant step in renewing Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.
A Feminist Approach
With the implementation of the Action Plan, gender equality will also be a priority, as well as the rights of Indigenous women and girls, along with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons. This aims to recognize and address the inequalities and discrimination and revise policies accordingly.
Lessons Learned from Home
Our effects to redefine and reshape Canada’s values and interests in a global environment are informed by the lessons we learned at home. A lot still has to be done before First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples get the housing, education, and other rights they deserve. It can take a while before they no longer face any discrimination and perhaps even longer before Indigenous girls and women and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community never need to worry about violence against them.
Conclusion
The Action Plan on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a broad and ambitious strategy aiming to improve the government’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. The plan includes several initiatives designed to address the root causes of the relationship between the two groups and create a more equitable and just society. The plan is a positive step forward, and it is hoped that it will lead to lasting positive change for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
If you wish to provide Indigenous reconciliation training for your employees, you should seek the help of a team that specializes in this.
Gwizhii Institute of Learning provides Indigenous training in Vancouver for companies and organizations, using engaging and educational activities. Our training programs are tailored to your needs and created to inspire participants. Get in touch with Gwizhii Institute of Learning to know more!