Statement from COPE Ontario on National Truth and Reconciliation Day

 

On National Truth and Reconciliation Day, COPE Ontario is in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada to honor and acknowledge the painful history of colonization and cultural genocide that was forced upon Indigenous communities across Canada.

Today, we remember and pay our respects to the countless Indigenous children who were forcibly separated from their families, stripped of their languages, cultures, and traditions, and subjected to unimaginable hardships. We recognize the enduring trauma that continues to impact survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities as a whole.

 

National Truth and Reconciliation Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to confront the injustices of the past and work towards healing and reconciliation. It is a day for all Canadians to listen, learn, and commit to the ongoing process of truth-telling and justice.

 

COPE Ontario pledges to:

 

1. Support Reconciliation Initiatives: We will actively support initiatives and projects that promote reconciliation, Indigenous rights, and self-determination. This includes advocating for equitable access to education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
2. Amplify Indigenous Voices: COPE Ontario will use our platform to amplify the voices and perspectives of Indigenous leaders, activists, and organizations. We will strive to center Indigenous knowledge and wisdom in all of our work.
3. Advocate for Change: We will work tirelessly to advocate for systemic change that addresses the root causes of Indigenous inequality and discrimination. This includes pushing for the full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
4. Promote Healing and Understanding: COPE Ontario will actively promote cultural understanding, respect, and healing within our organization and in the broader community. We will support efforts to provide resources and services that aid in the healing journey of survivors and their families.

 

National Truth and Reconciliation Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires dedication, humility, and a collective commitment to justice and healing. COPE Ontario is committed to walking this path alongside Indigenous communities, towards a future built on understanding, respect, and unity.

 

Today, we remember, we reflect, and we recommit ourselves to the work of reconciliation. Let us stand together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, with the hope of building a more just and inclusive Canada for all.

 

In solidarity,

COPE Ontario