A message of love to Indigenous students
Building community is an intentional act. It takes people with pure and genuine hopes to come together and make a decision to support, care and love one another.
Toni Lauzon, Tanja Steinbach and Connor Lafortune exude these qualities and more. They came together to share space and words; words from their heart to Indigenous students across Ontario. Their intentions were pure. Their messages although separate all spoke to community.
Finding your community, valuing yourself in community and trusting the support of your community.
We all have a role in reconciliation
Reconciliation is not the responsibility of any single organization, leader or role. Instead, we must all look for opportunities to share space and power. To each contribute, through whatever influence we have, to act on the calls to action.
If you’re looking for a place to begin or enhance your learning journey or a way to influence further, there are many organizations to help. You’re not on your own with your reconciliation journey or in bringing truth and reconciliation to students. Your learning and actions are part of the work to ensure Indigenous students can thrive in their school experiences. You might look for local resources available in your schools or communities, including forming a connection with a local Indigenous Friendship Centre. Here are some other initiatives and organizations to consider:
The First Peoples Wellness Circle advocates for collaborative transformative change to create pathways to wellness and whole health for First Peoples shaped by diverse Indigenous cultural lenses.
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation educates Canadians on the profound injustices inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation by the forced removal of children to attend residential schools and the widespread abuse suffered in those schools.
The Orange Shirt Society provides resources and information to support understanding of the purpose and context of Orange Shirt Day.
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
The Thunderbird Partnership Foundation is the leading culturally centered voice advocating for collaboration, integrated, and holistic approaches to healing and wellness.
We Matter is an Indigenous youth-led and nationally registered organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion.
Wise Practices is a project that showcases wise practices for life promotion that honours and give credits to what is already happening to promote life and vitality in First Nations communities across Canada by drawing links and connections among them for mutual benefit.
See our community mental health resource page for a list of mental health supports available for Indigenous students and families.