We acknowledge the truth of Canada’s colonial history and seek ways to reconcile relationships with the Indigenous peoples of Canada through education and action.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
WARNING: This may contain triggers for those who experienced trauma.
(Published June 2021) Recently the remains of children that were forced into the Residential School system have been confirmed. The founders of 360 PI apologize for the longstanding racist and colonial policies toward the Indigenous peoples of Canada including the Indian Act and the Residential School system and the great harm they have caused.
Our company has been built on the claim that we are Indigenous relations professionals. Through our work we have seen the devastation, brutality and inter-generational trauma of assimilationist government programs designed to remove and isolate children from the influence of their parents, extended families, traditions and cultures. We are sorry for knowing so many survivor stories and not doing more with them. In our silence we acquiesced to this part of the dominant Canadian culture. We were complacent and complicit.
We call on the Government of Canada to revisit the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and immediately implement the Calls to Action. We call on churches and religious leaders to fully acknowledge the truth and immediately release all historic records. And we at 360 PI will reflect on our mistakes, own up to our part in the injustices against Indigenous peoples and create a Reconciliation Action Plan. We should have done better. We regret our inaction and are deeply sorry.
RECONCILIATION THROUGH ACTION
We will educate ourselves, reflect on our learnings and take action.
EDUCATION
We have a lot more to learn. It is our responsibility to:
- Ensure we have a comprehensive understanding and awareness of Canada’s historical and current relationships with Indigenous peoples including the impacts of government policies.
- Honour the stories of survivors and commit to making the truth a conscious part of Canada’s national memory.
- Educate and influence others.
The 360PI team recognizes education as a cornerstone of moving forward. We also recognize that education begins in-house. Our team is committed to continuing education.
360PI will:
- Create time and space to remember.
- Participate in Indigenous led cultural training annually.
- Seek out educational materials created by Indigenous authors and academics including books, documentaries, podcasts and first-hand accounts from survivors to advance our knowledge and learn more about the truth.
- Acknowledge that we don’t have the answers, but we can listen deeply to Indigenous people with an open heart, knowing that solutions may not be possible in our lifetime or within our limited western paradigms and ideologies. Rather, solutions must be Indigenous driven and informed by Indigenous ways of knowing and Indigenous constructs of community, justice and healing.
- Encourage others to become educated on Indigenous and treaty rights.
- Be compassionate toward survivors and the families of survivors that need time, space and resources for healing and to imagine a better future.
- Look for positive stories celebrating the resilience of Indigenous peoples.
- Spread the word.
AWARENESS IN ACTION
360PI calls on all levels of government to deliver on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action found here. We call on religious institutions to acknowledge their role in Canada’s history and to commit to action to bring about reconciliation.
360PI calls on YOU. Yes, you. Use your voice to create change. Let your government representatives know that you care about Indigenous and treaty rights in Canada. Urge governments at all levels and religious institutions to acknowledge the truth of Canada’s history, recognize where we are today and pledge to create a future that brings meaningful, long lasting and Indigenous led change. If you are having trouble finding the right words, please reach out to us for some conversation and inspiration.
360PI believes in walking the talk. Starting right now, a portion of our annual profits will be donated to Indigenous led organizations in Canada that support Indigenous and treaty rights and provide resources for healing the intergenerational damage caused by Canada’s assimilation policies.
LOOKING FORWARD
We are determined to keep this front and centre in our country and company. Check back here to see how we are doing.