Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord is a tool in which we as the City, organizations, and individuals in Winnipeg can come together while sharing in reconciliation. Since 2017, 196 Partners have joined the Accord making commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
These meaningful commitments are ongoing, and our 4th Annual Partner Goals and Progress report shows just how our partners are doing their part on the Journey of Reconciliation.
In the past year, 74 percent of Accord partners have reported practicing traditional territories acknowledgments as part of daily announcements and at events, meetings and gatherings.
“It is Indigenous protocol to acknowledge the traditional territories upon which one visits or seeks relationship with, and is viewed as an expression of gratitude and respect,” said Monika Pichor, Project and Initiatives Assistant.
The annual report also shows that, in the past year, 232 Indigenous people were newly hired by 49 Accord partner organizations and 7,434 members and employees from 61 Accord partner organizations have participated and are continuing to participate in education and training in response to the Calls to Action.
We have had five partners report that they have updated their goals and commitments to include the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) Calls for Justice.
For all the partners who provided progress reports, a combined 166 policies and practices were amended or newly adopted by 57 partner organizations to recognize Indigenous rights, reflect Indigenous priorities, and improve Indigenous access and inclusion.
In light of the May 28 announcement by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation in Kamloops concerning the 215 lost children found buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School, you may be wondering what it is that you or your organization can do to support Indigenous peoples and reconciliation.
“We encourage all people to educate themselves about the truths of Canada’s residential school system and the legacy of residential schools,” said Tracey Cechvala, Projects and Initiatives Coordinator.
The Vision for Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord was developed by children who gathered together in 2016 to visualize a future for Winnipeg, a shared future that is rooted in truth, harmony, and generosity. We are all working toward the same goal to build happy, resilient, strong, and prosperous families.
We invite you to make a lasting commitment to reconciliation by becoming a partner to Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord and sharing your Journey of Reconciliation.