EMBRACING RECONCILIATION: OUR PATH TO A BETTER FUTURE
”"While the past is something we cannot change, the future is something we can shape together through reconciliation and healing."
Murray SinclairChair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Honouring The Land
Inn from the Cold’s commitment to reconciliation starts with acknowledging the immense honour and privilege we have of living and working within the Treaty 7 region.
We recognize that this place, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, is traditionally known as Moh’kinstsis (MOH-kin-stiss), which we now call the city of Calgary.
We acknowledge the traditional and ancestral territory and oral practices of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. This includes: the Blackfoot Confederacy, made up of the Siksika (Seeg-see-kah), Piikani (Pee-gah-nee), and Kainai (G-ai-nah) First Nations; the Stoney (Îyâxe) Nakoda First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki (Chin-ick-ee), Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina (Soot-tenna) First Nation. The city of Calgary is also the homeland of the historic Northwest Métis and to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
We deeply respect the enduring presence and contributions of all the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples whose footsteps have marked these lands for countless generations.
Our Commitment
Inn from the Cold is wholeheartedly dedicated to Reconciliation, aligning with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
As a non-Indigenous organization committed to supporting Indigenous families, we recognize our immense responsibility to contribute to the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous individuals. Our goal is to be an ally and genuine partner, walking alongside the Indigenous community with unwavering respect for the inherent rights of all individuals to human dignity and equitable access to resources.
Okhanassi O'tapi'sin
Walking Together, Our Plan For ReconciliACTION
As Treaty People, we firmly believe in our shared responsibility to honour the achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and to actively engage in the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.
In collaboration with Kristen Everett from Asinii Consulting, Inn from the Cold has embarked on a transformative journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.
Okhanassi O’tapi’sin is our reconciliation action plan dedicated to reshaping our processes, enhancing programs for Indigenous families, and forging meaningful relationships with Indigenous people, communities and organizations.
We are committed to translating our Reconciliation commitments into meaningful actions that honour, acknowledge and empower Indigenous Peoples and communities. This plan marks a pivotal moment for our organization as we embark on profound reflection, growth, and transformation.
This plan represents a foundational framework that will guide our actions, strategies and initiatives as we forge ahead. We acknowledge that this journey will not be without challenges, but we will approach it with humility, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of Reconciliation.
Click the image above to read our plan.
December 4, 2023, marked a truly special occasion for our team at Inn from the Cold as Elder Aastakaanna of the Kainai First Nation, bestowed upon our Reconciliation Action Plan a powerful Blackfoot name, Okhanassi O’tapi’sin, which translates to a gathering place for all people. This name was transferred to us through ceremony and embodies the spirit of unity, inclusivity, and community we aim to foster. As we continue our journey toward reconciliation, Okhanassi O’tapi’sin reminds us that we are committed to creating a space where everyone is welcome, respected and valued. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Elder Aastakaanna for this meaningful gift and look forward to embodying the spirit of Okhanassi O’tapi’sin in all our endeavours.
We invite all members of Inn from the Cold—staff, volunteers, board members, donors and community members to Join us on our reconciliation journey as we strive to make our organization a true gathering place for people from all walks of life.
Our Programs Approach
At Inn from the Cold, we are committed to deeply understanding the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous Peoples. Guided by this understanding, we continuously strive to enhance our services and program approaches. Our goal is to collaborate with families, offering our services through a trauma-informed and Indigenous lens encompassing an Indigenous worldview and ways of knowing that foster strong connections to Indigenous culture and healing.
Central to our approach are the principles of reciprocity and respect. We actively seek to build collaborative relationships, fostering open and meaningful dialogue while supporting the self-determination and empowerment of Indigenous people.
We acknowledge that every family that comes to Inn from the Cold possesses a unique story, and our service delivery approach values and respects the diversity and autonomy of Indigenous individuals. We recognize their resilience and affirm that they are active participants in their own journey to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and the impacts of colonialism.
Listening and learning from Indigenous voices, we are committed to continuously improving our programs to meet evolving community needs.
Indigenous Learning Resources
Indigenous peoples have a rich and enduring history as the original inhabitants of Turtle Island, predating the arrival of settlers whose colonization efforts and attempts at genocide have left an indelible mark. The recent discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential school sites serve as a poignant reminder of this painful reality, emphasizing the urgent need for acknowledgement and reconciliation.
Even today, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities continue to engage in ongoing negotiations to assert their inherent rights to the land and redefine their relationships within Canada. It is crucial that we confront this dark history with honesty and empathy.
Indigenous communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication to revitalizing their cultures, traditions, and languages. At Inn from the Cold, we are fully committed to playing our part by actively learning Indigenous history and culture. We recognize that true progress can only be achieved through collaborative efforts that prioritize and amplify Indigenous voices, knowledge, and experiences.
We invite you to join us on this journey of learning and understanding by exploring the resources provided.
Resources:
- Final Report of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- City of Calgary’s White Goose Flying: A Report to Calgary City Council on the Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation
- Voices of the Land, Sharing Stories from Indigenous Alberta
- Calgary Foundations, Indigenous Ally Toolkit
- Calgary Foundation, Honouring Truth & Reconciliation Toolkit
- Calgary Public Library, Indigenous Resources.
- CBC News: 108 Indigenous writers to read, as recommended by you.
- Indigenous Canada: A Free Learning Course.
- #Next150, Diversify Your News by listening to Indigenous journalists
These resources are a starting point for expanding your awareness, but there are many more valuable sources to explore. We encourage you to actively seek new information and stories as you embark on your learning and reconciliation journey. By continuously seeking knowledge, you contribute to creating a more informed and compassionate society. Let curiosity guide you as you navigate the path toward understanding, empathy, and positive change.
Together, we can contribute to the process of reconciliation.
