Most of my childhood summers were spent on the Six Nations Indian Reserve or in Oka. There was so much goodness in all my interactions there, learning about the culture and traditions, and though so many names have been forgotten, the memories are still there. These experiences have helped to shape me into who I am today.
But even then, I could see the hardships and neglect that had been inflicted on them – on their own, unceded territory. For years, broken promises and inaction have persisted despite vows to make things right. My heart has broken alongside them every single time another tragic story has made headlines – from the compounding horrors of the residential school system, murdered and missing women and girls, and land claims unilaterally changed or disregarded.
Reconciliation is a long and challenging process. It is something we must work at, every day, with actions both large and small. A critical step is committing ourselves to learning and understanding the complicated and often painful history that binds Indigenous communities to early settlers, including understanding how this trauma has been carried across generations and continues to be felt today.
But it must also include turning our attention to Indigenous cultures in ways that are more respectful and inclusive. And in the federal workplace, that is something we can not only commit to – but achieve. We must all be better, both in our own lives and in holding the government to account when it falls short of its promises.
What we recognize as Canadian identity is so intrinsically linked to the past, present and future of all the First Nations who live here. And together, we can help to ensure that their traditions and languages are preserved, protected and given the resources to thrive.
I know the value of learning from and honouring Indigenous culture and I will forever be grateful that it was shared with me.
Miigwech.
Camille Awada
CAPE President
