Waypoints on our Pathway of Reconciliation

Mental health supports available

Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.

Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).

Before reconciliation can truly take place, it is essential to understand and learn from the truth about the impacts of colonialism and resulting injustices and intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous Peoples. This involves acknowledging the historical and ongoing effects of colonial policies, such as, but not limited to:

• forced assimilation through policies such as residential schools and the sixties scoop
• land dispossession
• systemic discrimination

By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these truths, we can better engage in more meaningful dialogue. An Elder once shared that reconciliation is a verb, not a noun – It is an action not a destination. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on September 30 each year. This day serves as a reminder of the atrocities impacting Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing journey to reconciliation, compelling us to learn and support the healing process of Indigenous communities. Its significance and meaning extends beyond this day. It represents a continuing pathway of understanding, reflection and action. This day acts as a catalyst for fostering a new discourse, promoting and honouring Indigenous cultures and contributions and developing systemic change. When we take an opportunity to learn and reflect, the knowledge we obtain offers guidance to propel us forward to build a new relationship based on respect, inclusivity, equity and human kindness.

Making recommendations is a starting point – they must be followed up by action. We will be on a continuing journey of reconciliation. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is committed to working together with Indigenous Peoples to build nation-to-nation relationships founded in mutual respect, partnership, and recognition of rights. Advancing reconciliation means not only transforming our words, but our actions, particularly in terms of the management of sustainable natural resources. This renewed relationship is empowered by the rights, cultures and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and is supported by the legal roles and responsibilities outlined in the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

At NRCan, Nòkwewashk is the Centre of Expertise in ensuring meaningful partnerships in sustainable natural resources projects happen with Indigenous governing bodies, organizations and communities. The sector is built on a foundation of respect. Its very name embodies the important work that is being done. While the name, Nòkwewashk, is a seemingly simple word, the meaning bestowed with it by the Elders is multifaceted. Nòkwewashk is one of the Algonquin people’s sacred and powerful medicines, sweetgrass, representing kindness.

Nòkwewashk actively works to identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities in the natural resource sectors while maintaining respectful relationships. By bringing together Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and industry in project development, it meaningfully strengthens program support and policy leadership on economic reconciliation.

In addition to the work of Nòkwewashk, as members of NRCan, we have the opportunity to receive the gifts of Elder teachings, learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Treaties. The Elders in residence at NRCan are vital to this work for the department. Through their teachings, they guide us to do our work in a good way in support of reconciliation, inclusion, respect and kindness.

As we take an opportunity to reflect on September 30, we remember the Survivors of the impacts of colonialism, their families and communities. It is important we also remember and acknowledge the profound loss of the children who did not make it home. By confronting our shared history with compassion and commitment, we can foster a future rooted in justice, understanding and human kindness.

Related links

• Understanding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca
• NRCan honours reconciliation as first federal department with a sector named in an Indigenous language (canada.ca)
• Indigenous Peoples and Natural Resources (canada.ca)

Ekosani ~ Miigwech ~ Meegwetch ~ Niá:wen ~ Mahseecho ~ Mutna ~ Wopida ~ Hei Hei ~ Marci Cho ~ ᖁᐊᓇᖅᑯᑎᑦ ~ Quanaqqutit ~ ᓇᑯᕐᒦᒃ (Nakurmik) ~ Qujannamiik ~ Qujanaq ~ Kukwstsétsemc ~ Woliwon ~ Woliwun ~ Wela’lin ~ Thank you ~ Merci