BC COMMUNITY FOREST ASSOCIATION — In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) defined reconciliation as the process of “establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country.” For reconciliation to happen in Canada the TRC said,“there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”
The BCCFA is committed to leadership for reconciliation through community forestry. We believe that individual efforts when combined with institutional efforts can lead to meaningful dialogue and improvement in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. As emphasized in our recently approved 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, our goal is to encourage, foster and support community forest organizations to invest time, resources, and personal effort to build effective relationships and partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. We know that many of our members are making those investments, but the road to reconciliation is not easy or short and change is not immediate. September 30th is a day to reflect. It’s a day to learn more about Indigenous history in Canada and in our communities.
Learn more
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Read the reports and the 94 calls to action
- Government of Canada – Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Murray Sinclair reflects on our journey to reconciliation CBC Unreserved Podcast. Murray Sinclair is the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Indigenous Learning Resources– 15 actions recommended by Indigenous advisors and partners as a way to deepen understanding and undertake meaningful action.
