Community Action Plan - Reconciliation Regina, Inc. 2020/2021
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Reconciliation Regina, Inc.
Community Action Plan
2020/2021
CONTENTS 04 Acknowledgement Statement 06 Message from the Mayor 07 Message from Reconciliation Regina Board Chair 08 Message from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner 10 History of Indigenous Peoples in Regina 16 Reconciliation Regina 16 Vision, Mission & Values 18 Logo History & Meaning 20 A Step Towards Reconciliation 22 Initiatives & Projects 26 City of Regina Actions 28 Reconciliation Regina Community Action Plan 30 Public Survey Results 32 Action Plan Document 41 Appendix
Acknowledgement
Statement
This Acknowledgement Statement represents an act of reconciliation,
honouring the land and Indigenous heritage and history that dates
back thousands of years. To recognize the land is an expression of
gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on,
and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have lived here
for thousands of years. It is important that we understand our
history that has brought us to reside on the land, and to seek to
understand our place within history.
Reconciliation Regina acknowledges that we are on traditional
lands of the Treaty 4 Territory, a Treaty signed with 35 First
Nations across Southern Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta
and Manitoba and the original lands of the Cree, Saulteaux
(SO-TO), Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and on the homeland of
the Métis Nation.
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On behalf of City Council assured that we will be creating a On behalf of the Reconciliation We have much more to do by
and the residents of Regina, stronger, more supportive city for Regina, Inc. Council, we are way of helping others tell their
it is my pleasure to join the generations to come. pleased to offer the Community truths and reconcile in their own
Reconciliation Regina, Inc. board Action Plan, in partnership with, way. However, we are confident
in presenting our Community and recognition of Reconciliation that our commitment, resilience,
This will be a multi-
Action Plan. Regina’s 70-plus Community
generational effort, Champions. Our plan is a ...a journey that can
This plan represents the made-in-Regina community
requiring the dedication of be difficult, yet so
culmination of more than two blueprint or action plan that
years of hard work by the City of every citizen of Regina. will ensure reconciliation rewarding ...
R egin a , t h e Of f ice of t h e continues to be a living process,
Treaty Commissioner, and the based on information sharing
more than 70 “community and coordination of joint
champions” that make up the activities and initiatives that
Message from membership of Reconciliation
Regina. It is tangible evidence
Thank you and congratulations
to the Reconciliation Regina Message reflect a celebration of diverse
cultures, resilience, healing and
and respect for every individual
in our community will lead us to
the Mayor of the passionate commitment
that Regina residents feel for
board and all of the community
organizations and partners that
from the strengthened partnerships for
the wellbeing of all people living
a strengthened, more inclusive,
vibrant community shared
reconciliation and our desire to
move forward to heal and
have helped guide us to this
momentous achievement.
Reconciliation in our community. equally by all.
strengthen our community.
Sincerely,
Regina Board We respectfully present this
Plan as the beginning of a long
Our first goal as Reconciliation Chair journey, for which there is no
Regina was to work towards roadmap; a journey that can
a community-based and be difficult, yet so rewarding Gillis Lavalley
community-created action plan in terms of the benefits for our Chair
that speaks to our city’s needs youth, for whom we leave to
and desires. The culmination Michael Fougere continue our legacy.
of this goal represents only Mayor
the first step of a very long
walk. This will be a multi-
generational effort, requiring
the dedication of every citizen of
Regina. Reconciliation must be a
conscious, willful effort to achieve
equality and improve the lives
of all of our residents. It may be
difficult at times, but we can rest
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were still forming and emerging. Metis and non-Indigenous
Message from We worked with the City of leaders with experiences and
Regina and others to facilitate lessons to share with each other.
the Office of the initial Reconciliation In September 2019, the OTC
Regina meeting in April 2017, released a Vision of Truth and
the Treaty bringing together roughly Reconciliation through Treaty
60 community champions to Implementation, an attempt to
Commissioner encourage honest conversations reflect the voices of thousands
about the nature of successful of Saskatchewan citizens asked
The Office of the Treaty Reconciliation in Regina. to describe a better future for
Commissioner (OTC) has Those initial meetings in 2017 their children. It states that we
been working since 2014 to brought together First Nations need to seek progress in
develop a framework for Truth and Métis Knowledge Keepers, four overlapping areas:
and Reconciliation through Indian Residential School Understanding our
Treaty Implementation in Survivors, 60’s Scoop Survivors, Shared History; Authentic
Saskatchewan. The work is and community leaders from Relationships; Vibrant
based on a “Collective Impact” Regina’s Métis, First Nation and Cultures and Worldviews;
approach, which suggests that non-Indigenous community. and Systems that Benefit
complex issues cannot be solved Representation was sought from Us All. We’ve also been
by any one group, individual, or business, faith groups, non- going through the TRC
level of government, but that profits and governments of all Calls the Action, MMIWG
real change requires diverse levels. Together, those Regina Calls to Justice, the UN
people and perspectives working champions identified shared Declaration on the Rights
together. From this, the OTC goals and principles for how best of Indigenous Peoples,
has progressed three main to work together. and other important
strategies: documents, to collect outcomes
We are excited to see the release and indicators which can serve
•T
o seek consensus and of Reconciliation Regina’s Action as a common framework for
mobilization around a common Plan. It is the result of significant organizations, communities,
vision of what success looks like; work from many members of the our province and our country Community Champions
community. And it is a framework to measure whether we are
•T
o facilitate and support on which to build the important making progress to Truth and REACH
coalitions of diverse community Reconciliation through Treaty
work left to be done. REACH has a human resource practice that aims to reflect the community that we are a part of, therefore we strive to have Indigenous
“champions” for Truth and staff and Board Members and volunteers. Currently 30% of our Board and 25% of our staff are Indigenous. It is also our policy to
Reconciliation – building trust Implementation. In these ways
encourage and support leadership development for our Indigenous staff who are currently all in supervisory or management positions.
and relationships that lead to The OTC looks forward to and more we will humbly offer to It is our goal to increase the Indigenous leadership and members in our organization both at the Board level and with staffing levels.
action; working with Reconciliation work with Reconciliation Regina This is an operational decision of the current Executive Director and approved by the Board.
Regina and its members to begin and its members to progress the REACH is dependent on partnerships for our existence; we do not exist if not for our partnerships. We currently work with and provide
•T
o develop tools to measure to actualize and progress on Calls to Action and the Calls to support to a number of Indigenous organizations and First Nations.
progress and share stories of community needs in Regina. Justice, and to create a society in We work with each group, organizations and First Nations to design and adapt our service for their needs. We continue to expand our
success. There are now ten coalitions
which we find the mutual benefit partnerships with various Indigenous organizations.
of Truth and Reconciliation
The OTC began working with intended in the original Spirit and Board and Staff have a strong relationship with Circle Project and have partnered with them in 16 hours of training, so that we are better
champions across the province, at understanding the hurt of the past, understand ceremonies and will be more open to attend Indigenous events and ceremonies.
community leaders in Regina in Intent of Treaty.
a growing group of First Nations,
2016, back when these strategies We partner with Circle Project every year in providing a National Indigenous Peoples Day Event, to highlight Indigenous Culture and
to say THANK YOU!
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History of Residential Schools
Roots of the Residential
Indigenous Peoples
School System
Sir John Colbourne and Sir Francis Bond Head supported
policies to assimilate First Nations people through
segregation (reserves) and education.
Treaties The 1842-1844 Bagot Commission proposed that
The Numbered Treaties are 11 treaties signed Indigenous children be removed from their parents’
between the Dominion of Canada and First care to better achieve assimilation through
Nations people between 1871 and 1921. education. These schools were known as Indian
Excerpt from Treaty No. 4:
Industrial Schools. By 1847, Egerton Ryerson, the
That the principal conditions of the Treaties may be Superintendent for Education, recommended
These treaties allowed the Crown to settle on
briefly stated as follows:
and obtain resources from the land in question in religious instruction as the foundation for the
1
st A Money present to each Chief of $25; to schools. Protestant, Catholic, Anglican and
exchange for promises and goods, including reserve
each Headman not exceeding four in each
lands, annual payments, clothing, farm equipment Methodist denominations began to establish
Band $15 and to every other Indian, man,
and animals, maintenance of schools, and hunting woman and Child in the Band $12 residential schools.
and fishing rights. 2
nd An Annual payment in perpetuity, of the Qu’Appelle Indian Industrial School, Saskatchewan
(1885)
same sums to the Chiefs and Headmen (not Public Domain
exceeding four in each Band) and $5 to every
Treaty No. 4 other man, woman and Child in the Band
The City of Regina is located within Treaty 4 3
rd Certain trifling presents of clothing every
third year, to the Chiefs and Headmen
The Residential
territory, which includes 35 First Nations in southern
Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta and Manitoba. 4
th A supply of Ammunition and twine every
School System
year to the value of $750
Treaty 4 was signed by the Crown and 13 chiefs Following Nicholas Flood Davin’s “Report on
representing the Cree, Saulteaux and Assiniboine 5
th Presents of Agricultural implements, Industrial Schools for Indians and Half-Breeds”
Cattle, grain, Carpenter’s tools, etc.,
nations on September 15, 1874. (1879), an extensive, federally-funded, church-
proportioned to the number of families in the
Band actually engaged in farming operated residential school system began
6
th Reserves to be selected of the same extent
operating. While day schools had existed since
in proportion to the numbers of the Bands, the 1840s, it was decided that a greater number
and on the same conditions as in the previous of live-in, or “residential”, schools would be more
Treaty effective. Efforts were made to place schools far
7
th Schools to be established on each Reserve from Indigenous communities, ensuring that full-
as soon as the Indians settle thereon time attendance was necessary for many and family
8
th Intoxicating liquors to be excluded from contact was further minimized.
the Reserve
Portrait of Nicholas Flood Davin
(Between 1886 and 1900)
By Canada. Patent and Copyright Office / Bureau des brevets et du droit d’auteur; Library and Archives
Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada; PA-195870. - https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-
bac/2717141592/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia. org/w/index.php?curid=39725370
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Residential Schools Riel Resistance
Kill the Indian in the Child The End of the Residential Riel Resistance From Non-Violent Demands
In addition to being separated from the influence of School System Louis Riel fled to Montana to Armed Resistance
their families, children attending residential school Territory after the Red River
By the 1960s, residential schools began to be Initially, Métis, First Nation and non-Indigenous
were taught that their culture was unwholesome and Resistance, which led to
phased out. The last federally-run residential school, residents participated in non-violent actions, with
pagan, speaking their languages was forbidden, and the creation of Manitoba.
Gordon Indian Residential School near Punnichy, issues such as permanent title to lands for Métis
failure to comply was met with severe punishment. When Gabriel Dumont’s
Saskatchewan, closed in 1996. people, low wheat prices, high freight prices and
Overcrowding, poor sanitation, malnourishment, Métis delegation asked
tariffs on farm equipment presented to the federal
poor medical care and high rates of disease were for Riel’s assistance in the
government. A lack of progress led the Métis to pass
common in the schools, as was emotional, physical North West Territories, Riel agreed. He travelled to
the “Revolutionary Bill of Rights” on March 8, 1885.
and sexual abuse. Batoche in July, 1884 and went to work readying a
This spurred the establishment of a provisional
petition to Ottawa.
government by an armed force of Métis on March 18
Amendments to the Indian Act in 1920 made
and 19, 1885.
attendance for status Indian children under the age
Battle at Batoche
of 15 compulsory. Parents who resisted and hid their
The Batoche parish church was seized, and Fort
children from the authorities risked imprisonment. Government forces were ambushed at Fish Creek
Carlton’s surrender was demanded. Riel was
Many children attempted to run away from on April 24, costing the lives of six soldiers and four
named president, while Dumont became military
residential schools, often facing severe punishment. Métis and wounding 49 soldiers. On May 1, militia
commander. Métis leaders took over Duck Lake. On
Gordon Indian Residential School were forced to retreat at Cut Knife Creek. Casualties
B
ackground image: Residents of an “Indian school”, March 26, 100 North-West Mounted Police (NWMP)
Regina, Saskatchewan (1908) would have been higher had Poundmaker not
By Canada. Patent and Copyright Office / Bureau des brevets et du droit d’auteur; Library and Archives
Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada; PA-195870. - https://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-
Devastating and Far Reaching convinced warriors not to slaughter the retreating
arrived, and after negotiations ended, both sides
opened fire. 18 people died in the battle. The Métis
Impacts
bac/2717141592/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39725370
militia.
retreated to Batoche while the NWMP evacuated
Fort Carlton and retreated to Prince Albert.
The legacy of residential schools has had a Government reinforcements resumed the
devastating and far-reaching impact on survivors march to Batoche on May 9. After several
Emboldened by Duck Lake, Cree and Assiniboine
and their families. Effects such as loss of culture and d ay s o f f i g h t i n g , su p e r i o r n u m b e r s a n d
fighters formed a war camp to the west of Fort
identity, post-traumatic stress, and an inability to ammunition of the government troops led to
Battleford while settlers huddled inside, awaiting
parent or connect with others has led to issues such the surrender of Batoche, effectively ending
rescue. Big Bear’s people, who had been denied
as alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide and continues the Resistance.
rations in order to force Big Bear to sign a treaty,
to affect multiple generations.
holed up with prisoners at Frog Lake on April 1, 1885.
Riel surrendered on May 15, while Dumont
On April 2, war chief Wandering Spirit killed Indian
fled to Montana. Poundmaker and some
Agent Thomas Quinn, leading to the deaths of eight
Battleford-area tribes surrendered on May 26,
men over the protests of Big Bear.
the Frog Lake Cree released their prisoners
on June 21, and Big Bear turned himself in
on July 2.
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Trials and Aftermath
Regina Indian Industrial School
In Regina, Louis Riel was tried and convicted of high
treason, a crime for which the only possible sentence The Regina Indian Industrial School
was execution. An insanity plea failed, and he was
hanged at Regina on November 16, 1885. Operating from 1891 to 1910, the Regina Indian Industrial School (RIIS) was a Presbyterian school located
northwest of Regina on a 320-acre farm near Wascana Creek. RIIS was an industrial school, meaning that the
Many other First Nation and Métis leaders were federal government paid all school expenses until the 1893-1894 school year. After that, a per capita grant
tried on lesser charges. Of the eleven Indigenous of $120 was provided. Initially the school focused on teens, but when per-capita funding was established the
warriors convicted of murder for Frog Lake, six Cree student age range went from 3 to early 20s.
and two Assiniboine men, including Wandering
Spirit, were executed, and three others had their
death sentences commuted. Poundmaker and Big
Bear each received three years in jail. All surviving Heritage Destination
convicted resisters were ultimately released from
All that remains of the school is the graveyard,
jail early, and a general amnesty allowed some of the
which was awarded provincial and municipal
resisters who had fled to the U.S. to return to Canada,
heritage status in 2017. While there are
including Gabriel Dumont. On May 23, 2019, the
believed to be over 40 graves, all but two are
Federal Government exonerated Poundmaker and
unmarked. The two marked graves belong to
formally apologized. Similar efforts for Big Bear and
the school principal’s children. After sitting
One Arrow are ongoing.
largely forgotten on the outskirts of the city
for many years, the work of the Regina Indian
Road Allowance People Industrial School Commemorative Association
(RIISCA) brought awareness to the existence
In the aftermath of the Resistance, the Métis Front view of Regina Indian Industrial School with men, horses and
buggies out front (1885)
of the RIIS cemetery. Designating this site as a
were marginalized from both settler society and
Public Domain heritage property was an important step toward
Indigenous communities. They were denied Indian
reconciliation.
status and branded as “rebels”.
RIIS Operation
Facing economic hardship, many Métis left the area,
Poster for John Coulter’s play, The Trial of Louis Riel About 500 students attended the school during its 19
Public Domain
leading to a dispersal. Those who remained, and
years of operation. Illnesses related to overcrowding
many who left, were forced to “squat” on reserved
were common, with an estimated 20 percent of
Crown land, mostly on the outskirts of municipal
students dying of diseases. The curriculum was
boundaries, known as the “road allowance”. It was
gender-segregated; boys learned trades while girls
during this time that the term “road allowance
focused on homemaking. Recent historical research
people” became synonymous with the Métis.
has also uncovered accusations of sexual abuse of
female students.
Graduating class of Regina (Indian) Industrial School.
After the school was closed, the building became a (1885)
jail, then a home for delinquent boys, before burning Public Domain
down in 1948.
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Reconciliation Regina
VISION MISSION
Reconciliation in Saskatchewan is each citizen of the province To encourage, advocate, support, promote, take action and
taking personal responsibility to do what they can to create facilitate truth and reconciliation initiatives at the local level,
an interdependent and fair society where: in collaboration with community stakeholders.
Indigenous cultures, languages, ways of knowing and governance structures are strong and
sovereign; while also included in, and contributing to, the overall fabric of Saskatchewan life; VALUES
We share a common understanding of Saskatchewan’s history and our personal place within it; Sustainable, living and evolving circle of community organizations and individuals advocating
for reconciliation at the individual and organizational level;
Justice for past wrongs will be achieved, and families and communities are strong and healing;
All are welcome to participate in a safe space to speak without fear, with respectful, honest and
Safe spaces exist and skills are developed for mutual learning, communication across cultures,
open communication, guided by the wisdom of Elders/Knowledge Keepers and survivors;
trust building, partnerships and shared social experiences;
Shared sense of leadership and a community action plan help our community to reconcile and
We all enjoy a high quality of life and full participation in the economy; and,
promote healing of the past, including our history of residential schools;
Governance at all levels, including institutions of education, health, justice, economy and social
Consensus decision-making will be sought when possible; however, when not possible,
services, represent and benefit from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership, values,
majority-based solutions, decisions and positive outcomes will be adopted to guide us in
history and ways of knowing.
promoting the healing of our community, as a whole;
Progress will be enhanced when we recognize and amplify the efforts of established leaders and
community champions throughout Regina, Treaty 4 Territory and traditional Métis territory;
Acceptance of the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action;
Recognition and implementation of the principles of the United Nations Declaration of the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
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THE SY M B O LS O F
RECONCILIATION
Graphic Elements/Rationale
Front view of Regina Indian Industrial School with men, horses and buggies out front
(1885)
Public Domain
Reconciliation Regina
COLOURS
STAR/STAR BLANKET
Journey, Comfort Four Directions, Four Seasons, Four Colors of Humanity
Colours of the Métis Flag
Logo History & Meaning
F L O WE R
INDIVIDUAL SHAPES
New Growth
Gather and unify to create one shape
The Reconciliation Regina History & Meaning of the
BOOKS
logo is a graphic element that
represents the commitment to a Reconciliation Regina Logo Different Ways of Knowing
T H E S P A C E I N B E T WE E N
Vision for Truth and Reconciliation Reference to Treaties Represents the "gap" that can be addressed
through Treaty Implementation Reconciliation Committees and Coalitions across the province, through Reconciliation
and the Truth and Reconciliation A R R O WS
including Reconciliation Regina, have adopted the logo to publicly
Commission’s Calls to Action. The represent their efforts to respond to the 94 Calls to Action released by Individual Diverse Groups
logo was created in 2016 through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and to promote
a partnership with the Office of truth and reconciliation in their communities. The logo is meant to
the Treaty Commissioner, the City give a visual identity to the reconciliation work that is happening
of Saskatoon, Elders/Knowledge across the province, provide clear and consistent messaging at events
Keepers, residential school hosted by reconciliation partners, and create brand awareness locally,
survivors, and a multitude of provincially, and nationally. This logo has been trademarked by the City
partners to encompass the spirit THE CIRCLE
of Saskatoon and is used by a number of provincial coalitions, including
and Intent of the reconciliation Reconciliation Regina with permission from the Office of the Treaty A Meeting circle creating a safe place for dialogue
relationship in Saskatchewan. Commissioner and the City of Saskatoon.
Seven Sacred Teachings: Love, Respect, Courage,
Honesty, Wisdom, Humility & Truth
Introducing an eighth dot, a new Shared Fire:
The Reconciliation Project
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Reconciliation
The City of Regina (City)
ACTIVITY
and the Office of the
Treaty Commissioner
Mayor Fougere, City of
Truth and Reconciliation (OTC) facilitated the initial
Regina, moved a unanimously
Commission (TRC) of Canada Reconciliation Regina meeting
approved Council Motion
released its final report on with community stakeholders A stakeholder meeting was
directing City Administration
the history and impact of the (Community Champions) to held for those interested in
to work with the community Meeting with the Governance
Canadian Indian Residential discuss a community response participating in an Organizing
and Indigenous leaders to and Communications Circles
School System to the Commission’s Calls to Circle or Steering Committee.
respond to the Calls to Action. (Subcommittee) was held.
Action.
JUNE 2015 SPRING 2016 APRIL 2017 JUNE 2017 MID-SEPTEMBER 2017 TODAY
Release of report provided an From this Motion, The meeting, facilitated The purpose of the meeting was Subcommittees finalized Reconciliation Regina is
opportunity for all Canadians Reconciliation Regina by the City and the OTC, to discuss the development of a and approved drafts of the now comprised of over
HIGHLIGHTS
to become involved in the was created. convened community leaders framework, principles, values and Mission, Vision and Values of 70 community leaders,
process of healing and and organizations who operating model to oversee and Reconciliation Regina and an organizations, educators,
reconciling the history and had expressed an interest guide Reconciliation Regina. official launch event of the Elders/Knowledge Keepers,
legacy of the residential school in, or had been identified organization. newcomers, survivors,
Attendees discussed the
system. as potential “champions” healers, cultural and arts
importance of involving Elders/
of reconciliation for the organizations, governments,
Knowledge Keepers, residential
community. service agencies, faith groups
school survivors, healers, inter-
The April 2017 gathering, through various visioning exercises and individuals committed
generational voices, newcomers,
and discussions, provided the opportunity for participants to to working in partnership
faith-based institutions,
contemplate the future of our community, and the impact towards the fulfillment
governments, educators,
Reconciliation Regina can have to ensure the city better reflects of the Calls to Action and
academic institutions, community,
a culture that is more diverse, inclusive and vibrant, now and into the implementation of a
cultural and arts organizations
the future. Community Action Plan (CAP).
and individuals, youth and the
In addition, the discussions included the creation of a community business sector, to tap into a more
blueprint or action plan to respond to the Commission’s Calls to diverse wealth of expertise and
Action. The action plan will ensure reconciliation continues to be knowledge. Dialogue also focused
a living process, based on information sharing and coordination on governance and operating
of joint activities and initiatives that reflect a celebration of models, guiding principles and
diverse culture, resilience, healing, respect and strengthened communication. Participants
partnerships for the wellbeing and future of all people in our supported the creation
community. and implementation of key
deliverables and ways to ensure
actions and results are tangible,
targeted and measurable.
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Initiatives and Projects
2018 2019
Hosted the KAIROS Blanket Exercise in honour of Co-piloting a nine-part conversation series with
Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Gathering
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Regina Public Library, Heritage Communication
was held to ensure their perspectives, guidance and
and in support of the continued work towards Association and Central Zone Board.
knowledge is consistently heard and incorporated.
reconciliation.
Hosted a Treaty 4 Flag Raising Ceremony with
Healing Circle for those who wished to share their
Launched the “Read for Reconciliation” F.W Johnson Collegiate.
stories, journey, and speak to their truth in a safe
recommended reading list in partnership with the
space and their hopes for the future. Developed an Elders and Traditional Knowledge
Regina Public Library with an event showcasing
Keepers Advisory Circle.
Official launch of “Reconciliation Regina” a panel of Indigenous authors, including James
generating significant interest from community Daschuk, Blair Stonechild & David Carpenters. Received a grant through the Government of
organizations and individuals. Canada Department for Women and Gender Equality
In partnership with the Royal Saskatchewan
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and
Collaboration with other community organizations Museum, Reconciliation Regina held a Youth
Girls (MMIWG) Commemoration Fund to pursue the
to host and actively participate in community events Symposium to provide youth with an opportunity to
development of a commemoratative monument
such as the screening of “Indian Horse”, National engage in a series of Indigenous focused educational
that will honour the lives and legacies of missing and
Indigenous Peoples Day events, and Orange Shirt workshops.
murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Day.
Hosted Canadian Roots Exchange to lead a
Received a $100,000 Government of Canada grant
Officially adopted a Logo, Mission, Vision, and Values. Reconciliation Workshop for Youth at F.W Johnson
to continue the operations of Reconciliation Regina.
To ensure its longevity and that it is a truly Collegiate.
community-led entity, Reconciliation Regina was Collaborated with other community organizations
officially incorporated as a non-profit organization. to host and actively participate in community events
A Board of Directors finalized the governance such as the National Indigenous Peoples Day events,
composition, criteria, framework and Bylaws. Orange Shirt Day, and the annual Smudge Walk.
Participated in provincial and national Reconciliation Partnered with The Royal Saskatchewan Museum
Coalition meetings, events and initiatives. and Buffalo Peoples Art Institute to deliver
educational workshops on the Calls to Action, the
history of Indigenous People in Saskatchewan and
the history of the Buffalo.
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Future Events
C
ompleted the Reconciliation Regina Community Action Plan - a
“Made in Regina” living document focused on redressing the legacy of
residential schools and advancing the process of reconciliation
R
econciliation Regina annual event that will promote healing,
create awareness and encourage other community stakeholders
to participate in Reconciliation Regina’s reconciliation efforts and
initiatives.
C
ontinually expanding the Community Champions group and
opportunities to gather together for events resulting in a
better understanding of the past and to create a more positive
respectful community for future generations.
Community Champions
Development
of a community awareness and education
strategy that will directly align and reflect the organization’s
vision, values and mission.
YWCA Regina
O
ngoing community engagement to share knowledge,
information, mentorship, and culture. In spring 2019, YWCA Regina created a new Director of Indigenous Relations
position to, in part, build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities,
C
ollection of individual and organizational actions to provide support to YWCA Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors to
responding to the TRC Calls to Actions are connect with those communities, and to move the truth and reconciliation agenda
documented, monitored, evaluated and updated forward.
through the living Community Action Plan.
The YW’s long-standing Truth & Reconciliation Action Committee and a newly
formed Indigenous Staff Caucus provided support to the Director in implementing
policy revisions, including making the 10 Principles of Reconciliation, from the
National Inquiry’s Final Report, a central focus of YWCA Regina policy.
Educational opportunities—blanket exercises, treaty teachings, and teachings on
traditional medicines, etc.—for staff, leadership, and Board have been central to
the YW beginning the truth and reconciliation journey in its own home. Facilitating
women’s access to Elders and ensuring culturally appropriate programming
opportunities—ceremony, smudging, powwow, round dances, etc.—for the
women and children we work with, have also been centrally important initiatives.
24 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 25Actions and initiatives taken by the City of Regina to respond
City of Regina Actions to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action
are aimed at contributing to the development of a stronger,
healthier and more engaged community. The full list of
Municipally-directed Since the release of the Commission’s 94
Calls to Action, the City of Regina (City) has initiatives (Appendix), are important in supporting the recon-
Truth & Reconciliation been working towards meeting the actions
directed to municipalities. To further the work ciliation process. Future strategies, policies and programs will
Commission’s Calls of the Commission, the City and the Office of
the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) partnered in be initiated and implemented as we create further awareness
to Action: discussions on the development of a broader
community response to the Calls to Action both internally and externally of the TRC Calls to Action.
and path to truly embark upon a meaningful
process of reconciliation, to honour,
43
We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, acknowledge and accept responsibility for, to
and municipal governments to fully own, and participate in, redressing the harm
done from residential schools.
adopt and implement the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
75
(UNDRIP) as the framework for reconciliation. We call upon the federal government
to work with provincial, territorial, and
47
We call upon federal, provincial, territorial municipal governments, churches,
and municipal governments to repudiate Aboriginal communities, former residential school
concepts used to justify European students, and current landowners to develop and
sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing
such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, identification, documentation, maintenance,
and to reform those laws, government policies, and commemoration and protection of residential
litigation strategies that continue to rely on such school cemeteries or other sites at which residential
concepts. school children were buried. This is to include the
provision of appropriate memorial ceremonies and
57
We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, commemorative markers to honour the deceased
and municipal governments to provide children.
education to public servants on the
77
history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history We call upon provincial, territorial,
and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations municipal, and community archives to
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, work collaboratively with the National
Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law and Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to identify and
Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills- collect copies of all records relevant to the history
based training in intercultural competency, conflict and legacy of the residential school system, and to
resolution, human rights, and anti-racism. provide these to the National Centre for Truth and
Reconciliation.
26 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 27In addition, the information also enabled Reconciliation
Regina in developing a concrete “snapshot” of the
The Creation of a community’s reconciliation actions to date as well as a clear
strategic direction and realistic targets to fulfill the Calls to
Action and those that go beyond the Calls to Action, in the
“Made in Regina”
future. The actions already taken will also be used to identify
leading practices that can be shared between sectors and
with other communities.
Community Action Plan The Community Action Plan was also drafted through
consultations with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner
and other provincial reconciliation coalitions, comparative
research and analysis of data focused on other Canadian
municipalities’ and organization’s action plans, locally,
nationally and internationally and work completed in Australia
In 2018, Reconciliation Regina developed and The purpose of the Community Champion
and New Zealand on CAP development, measurement and
launched a public, on-line survey for all residents qu est ionna ir es wa s t o dev elop a b e tte r
evaluation.
in the city. The purpose of the survey was to collect understanding of the current status and future
information from community members living plans that Community Champions have taken, or
within Regina about their opinions, attitudes and plan to take, to address the Calls to Action or actions
knowledge of the Calls to Action. The survey was that may not directly respond to the Calls to Action
open to the public for 2 months and a total of 528 but have still helped increase understanding and
community members completed the survey. respect towards Indigenous peoples and culture in
our community.
Following the public survey, Reconciliation Regina
developed and delivered a questionnaire to all
Community Champions (the 70+ community
organizations involved with Reconciliation Regina).
This questionnaire was focused on the Calls to
Action; specifically, the municipally-directed Calls to
Action. Following the first phase of data collection,
a second questionnaire based on 10 themes
that were identified at Community Champion
workshops in April 2017, was developed and All information gathered was used to draft
delivered to Community Champions. The 10 themes Reconciliation Regina’s Community Action Plan and
of the questionnaire included: human resources, to assist organizations to start to develop their own
community & family healing, relationship-building, reconciliation-focused action plans and/or strategies
advocacy, pan Canadian, histories/stories, reflection to effectively lead community change and have a
of culture, education, employment/poverty, and positive impact on communities, organizations and
environment. working environments.
28 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 29We asked:
Public Survey Results How should we celebrate the contributions made
by Indigenous peoples in our community?
2018 online survey, 528 completed.
You said:
You said: Design public spaces
designed for the general 14 % 33%
Equality between 9 %
You said:
Healing and Indigenous and Non- Building
By making the culture apart of everyday public to visit and learn about Indigenous people better
31
Forgiveness
%
discussions and by supporting job ready relationships Incorporate more
contributions by Indigenous
programs. Let’s celebate and walk the path, Peoples. Maybe spaces like museums culture into everyday
together, by putting Indigenous Very or art gallery like places. Maye activities to promote
people into the economy with jobs Familiar language, recognize/
model what South Africa did in some
and as business owners. cities and assigned indigenous names admit and discuss
56 %
to some of the streets. Perhaps how to carry forward
seeing all official comminication the lessons from
Somewhat in English/French/Cree or some histroical mistakes.
Familiar What does reconciliation mean to you?
other indigenous langauage as (top three responses)
appropriate, etc.
How familiar are you with the history of the
Residential School system in Canada?
You said:
Through public education and public
You said: How important is it
66 % acknowledgement. Too often these
37 % Sharing good news and success stories, painting a for all Canadians to be
Very
contributions are not publicly celebrated
46 %
YES
good positive narrative. There are a lot of negative knowledgeable about the and they need to be brought to the
true history of Canada and Important forefront to create awareness and also
stories and a lot of issues to address for Aboriginal
NO people in general, however there are a lot of good the residential school system? foste positive role models.
news stories to be told also.
4%Not Familiar at all
Do you have access to educational opportunities to
learn more about the residential school system in Canada? 73 YES % Do you feel
that collective
actions taken by
28
Very
% our community
as a whole 75% YES
Familiar
Are you familiar with the Calls to Action?
54 % Do you feel you have an individual role to play can assist in
in reconciliation in our community? addressing the
Somewhat
Familiar You said: Calls to Action?
Landmarks, street signs, historically significant areas
30 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN identified, promote everyday leaders in arts, science, RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 31
education, etc. Work to remove stereotypes.Community
Community Action Plan
Action Plan
32 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 33SECTION 1: Relationships
ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY
3
Acknowledge and Organize internal events each year
celebrate local, and invite Community Champions,
provincial, and community stakeholders and members Ongoing
national Indigenous of established partnerships to
Reconciliation Regina values a collaborative approach. Whatever the strength of the individual, we will dates and initiatives participate and attend.
accomplish more together. of significance to Board of Directors,
Share all external and internal events via
strengthen and maintain Ongoing Project Coordinator
Reconciliation Regina website.
relationships between
Reconciliation Regina’s relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, communities, Reconciliation Regina, Promote external community events
organizations, stakeholders and partners are built on trust, mutual understanding, collaboration, integrity Indigenous peoples, and encourage Community Champions,
organizations and the Ongoing
and shared experiences. These relationships are key as they deepen our awareness and understanding of our community stakeholders and members
community. of established partnerships to attend.
role in the journey towards reconciliation.
Develop and implement a
4
We will continue to connect and strengthen our relationships through the Reconciliation Regina Community Raise internal and communication strategy to share the
external awareness CAP and its progress to all internal and Ongoing
Action Plan (CAP) commitments.
of the CAP to external stakeholders through ongoing
promote reconciliation and active engagement Project Coordinator
ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY across our community
and in the surrounding IHighlight reconciliation efforts through
Assists in the development, ongoing active engagement with our Ongoing
region.
endorsement and launch of the community.
March 2020
Reconciliation Regina Community
1
Action Plan. Incorporate Reconciliation Regina
5
Reconciliation Ongoing CAP commitments into community
Regina Community Meets semi-annually to provide consultation and Ongoing
June and Board of Directors, partnerships and initiatives with key
Action Plan Advisory feedback and advice regarding the connection with
December Advisory stakeholders.
Committee is formed and development and implementation of Community Champions Board of Directors,
- Ongoing Committee, Project
actively monitors action actions. regarding our shared Encourage and assist Community Project Coordinator
Coordinator
plan development and commitments to Champions and other community
implementation. Ensures that Indigenous peoples are stakeholders in the establishment of Ongoing
June 2020 reconciliation in our
represented on the Committee. Reconciliation Action Plans and/or
community.
Develop and review Terms of Reference strategies.
June 2020
6
for the Advisory Committee. Support external
Continue to engage with the community stakeholders to Establish a public noticeboard on
March 2020 strengthen the Reconciliation Regina website to Ongoing Project Coordinator
to increase the number of Community
– Ongoing their commitment to promote reconciliation events.
Champions.
reconciliation.
Identify, develop and implement
2
Maintain and an engagement plan to work with Strengthen engagement with all
7
build reciprocal April 2020 stakeholders by sending quarterly
Indigenous stakeholders in the Preserve the
relationships with community. history and role updates to contact lists on Ongoing
Indigenous and non- of Reconciliation Reconciliation Regina work and
Meet with local Indigenous peoples, Board of Directors, progress.
Indigenous people, Regina in advancing Project Coordinator
Community champions, local Project Coordinator
communities and reconciliation between
organizations and other stakeholders May 2020 Scope, develop and implement
organizations that benefit Indigenous peoples and
to develop guiding principles for future opportunities that preserve the history
all and support positive the broader community. Ongoing
engagement. and role of Reconciliation Regina in
reconciliation outcomes.
advancing reconciliation.
Identify opportunities to connect
Indigenous Elders and Traditional April 2020
Knowledge Keepers with Recondition – Ongoing
Regina initiatives.
34 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 35SECTION 2: Respect
ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY
Reconciliation Regina website
is launched and shared with all
10
Increase stakeholders and community. Website October
awareness and will act as a hub for communicating 2019
Reconciliation Regina acknowledges that we are on traditional lands of the Treaty Four Territory, the original support for the most relevant and up-to-date - Ongoing
lands of the Cree, Saulteaux (SO-TO), Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. campaigns that promote information and engagement
opportunities (calendar of events, etc.). Project Coordinator
the advancement of
reconciliation through Launch of education/awareness,
Respect for Indigenous peoples, cultures and communities is the foundation of all Reconciliation Regina the development of a “individual commitments”, “share
work. We recognize the importance of building mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous peoples, communication strategy. April 2020
your story”, and other community
communities and organizations. We respect and honour the Treaties, acknowledge the harms and mistakes engagement communication tools and
of the past, and are committed to move forward in partnership with Indigenous peoples, communities and strategies.
11
organizations.
Demonstrate Identify and adopt a cultural protocol
respect for document to use for all initiatives,
April 2020
Indigenous events and decision-making and share
ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY peoples, communities with the community. Board of Directors,
8
and organizations by Project Coordinator
Investigate Develop, maintain and review a
Develop a list of local Indigenous embedding cultural
opportunities for list of key contacts for advice and Ongoing
cultural awareness trainers in the Ongoing protocols in all aspects of
Indigenous cultural implementation of cultural protocols.
community. our work.
learning and development
opportunities to increase Project Coordinator
understanding and Provide opportunities for Community
appreciation of Indigenous Champions to participate in cultural
Community Champions
Ongoing
peoples cultures, histories training and increase cultural
and achievements. competency.
Develop a list of local Calls to Action Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
educators in the community and engage
Ongoing
in community educational events and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s orientation of new employees includes cultural competency training to raise awareness within
9
initiatives. the organization and further the conversation around the TRC Calls to Action; this training is also available to all Agency staff.
Investigate
opportunities for Provide opportunities to participate The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency received some funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) for a project
education and in educational events and initiatives Ongoing that will focus on building a cohesive strategy for a culturally responsive organization through community partnerships to
awareness training on the focused on the Calls to Action. Project Coordinator promote health equity and culturally safe environments. This project expanded on the existing work underway with Indigenous
Calls to Action and engage groups to improve the outcomes and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients in the cancer system by developing
Undertake a follow up to the survey a First Nations and Métis cancer strategy that will lead towards more culturally responsive services to meet the needs of First
the community in these
focused on measuring the opinions, Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) patients and families; increase First Nations, Métis and Inuit staff representation; and put in place
learning opportunities.
attitudes and knowledge of Regina meaningful and formal engagement mechanisms with FNMI patients and families.
May 2020
residents on the Calls to Actions to The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency is also a member of the Northern Healthy Communities Partnership (NHCP) working
measure the level of knowledge of the with population health and primary health care stakeholders in northern SK to support health promotion and community
original survey. development initiatives to reduce commercial tobacco use, create healthier food environments, encourage active communities
and support community capacity building and community development approaches.
36 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 37SECTION 3: Opportunities
ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY
Continue to incorporate and implement
the Calls to Action into workplans, Ongoing
14
Promote and initiatives, events and services.
support the
Reconciliation Regina strives to make a positive difference in the community by identifying opportunities for Investigate incorporating the Calls
incorporation Board of Directors,
to Action in measuring reconciliation Ongoing
community partnerships, events, initiatives and increased education and awareness. of the TRC Calls to Project Coordinator
progress in the community.
Action into community
initiatives and events. Promote the Calls to Action as a
By expanding collaboration and working more closely with key stakeholders to strategically align and
resource for organizations to implement Ongoing
advance key initiatives, Reconciliation Regina provides opportunities for direct engagement with both Calls to Action in their organizations.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and community organizations through the Community Action Plan.
15
Reflect on Create new and strengthen existing
existing best relationships with Indigenous
Ongoing
ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY practices organizations and consider ways to
and identify gaps and ensure these relationships are valued.
Board of Directors,
Develop an understanding of the mutual opportunities to support
Project Coordinator
benefit of reconciliation from both the future inclusion of Consider organizations with whom we
Ongoing
the Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural considerations need to build relationships to support Ongoing
perspectives. and the TRC Call to our reconciliation efforts.
Action into our work.
12
Investigate Facilitate the development of
opportunities to Reconciliation Action Plans and/
Community Champions
March 2020
engage leaders or Reconciliation Strategies with
– Ongoing
and decision-makers in Community Champions and other Board of Directors,
the community community stakeholders. Project Coordinator
(i.e. policy-makers, Continue to build our relationship with The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina
educators, influencers, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner
etc.) Ongoing One of the initiatives coming from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina has been the creation of an “Archdiocesan Commission
and other provincial and national for Truth and Reconciliation” (ACTR) made up of approximately 10 Indigenous and 10 non-Indigenous leaders who have met to
coalitions through annual meetings. discern together what steps we can take in responding to the TRC Calls to Action addressed to the churches. We identified 4 circles
of activity and engagement that will provide ongoing education to all that this number encompasses: 1) schools; 2) parishes;
Facilitate the incorporation of 3) formation for those in leadership (priests, seminarians); and, 4) working with ecumenical and interfaith partners and other
Indigenous knowledge into City Hall and Ongoing agencies in the wider community in the pursuit of justice for Indigenous Peoples. In addition, Indigenous Elders have been invited
the municipality’s daily operations. into churches to share their stories; some parishes have hosted the Blanket Exercise, conferences on Reconciliation, Social Justice
in Motion Conferences, and Restorative Justice Conferences in which Indigenous people were key presenters and shared their
Develop an Indigenous Policy experiences. Last year we had our first Archdiocesan Pipe Ceremony and Feast and in 2017 Niigaan Sinclair (son of justice Murray
Framework to audit policies, procedures, Sinclair) spoke at one of our parishes.
and practices to identify where cultural
April 2020 The Archdiocese has held a gathering of ecumenical church leaders and representatives with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge
and Calls to Action considerations could
Keepers to discern what steps we might take in supporting Indigenous efforts for justice. One of our Indigenous ministries called
13
be incorporated to amend existing policy
Explore or develop new policy. “Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Relations Community” (ANARC) hosts a monthly potluck and sharing circle where Indigenous and
opportunities Non-Indigenous folks gather together to build relationships. This is a time of sharing food and listening to the personal stories helps
to promote and Develop and share resources with to enter into the lives of the Indigenous people. Relationships have been deepened and this has led to concrete acts of justice and
Project Coordinator solidarity within the wider community.
support reconciliation the community outlining approaches
April 2020
focused outcomes. to Indigenous engagement and Through our gatherings where we listened to one another, we heard the range of concerns that must be our foundation in what we
partnerships. are being called to as a church, including support for and engagement with Indigenous spirituality, culture and language; education
about Indigenous Peoples, their history on this land (including the impact of colonization and Residential Schools), and treaties;
Publish quarterly newsletter highlighting dialogue and relationship building; working together for justice for and with Indigenous People. We learned that all engagement
the accomplishments and progress March 2020 responding to the TRC and the pastoral needs of Indigenous people needs to flow from relationship with them, including the
of Community Champions and other – Ongoing survivors of Residential Schools, intergenerational survivors, and all who have been affected by the legacy of colonialism. The
community stakeholders. saying ‘nothing about us without us’ is shaping our path forward.
38 | RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN RECONCILIATION REGINA, INC. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN | 39You can also read
