As we engage in technological learning and employment support for and with women, girls, and gender diverse people, we acknowledge the traditional guardians of the unceded, un-surrendered territories and lands upon which iSisters’ programming is planned, designed, and delivered.
We honour Indigenous Peoples, knowledge keepers, and leaders – young and old, past, present, and future, and their enduring care of and relationships with the lands. When we join in Ottawa, Perth, or Lanark, we are gathering on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people, and the traditional unceded territories of the Anishnabek, Huron-Wendat, and Haudenosaunee peoples.
We acknowledge the consequences and continued harmful impacts of settler colonialism. We continue to reflect on our relationship with these lands to better understand the treaties and how the oppression of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples is engrained in all aspects of Canadian life, in order to take steps to help right these wrongs. As part of our decolonization efforts, we aim to develop sustainable, accountable, and responsible partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, iSisters’ Staff and Board commit to the following actions, among others (such as those taken individually) to recognize and honour Indigenous cultures, languages, and values; contribute to Reconciliation; and continue to learn and adapt based on the support of Indigenous peers whom we cherish:
- Provide iSisters training in Indigenous languages;
- Learn, discuss, and act based on continuing to honour the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation;
- Increase our cultural and intercultural competence awareness and behaviours; and,
- Engage in relationship building and learning with First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples.
