Over the past 35 years, Impact North Shore’s understanding of Truth and Reconciliation has evolved alongside our work to build inclusive communities. Reconciliation is an important part of how we understand our responsibility as an organization. We recognize our Reconciliation journey requires our commitment to ongoing learning and reflection, and the building of meaningful and safe relationships with Indigenous communities.
We respectfully acknowledge the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, on who’s traditional, unceded, and ancestral territories we are honoured to work. We recognize Canada’s history of colonialism and the ongoing impacts of genocide, systemic racism, and intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples. As a settlement organization, we have a responsibility to help im/migrants understand this history and their relationship to the land and the Indigenous communities who have cared for it since time immemorial.
Working Together has meant recognizing that Reconciliation cannot be undertaken alone. We have been grateful to learn from Indigenous leaders, educators, and partners, whose guidance has helped shape our understanding and approach. Through the North Shore Immigrant Inclusion Partnership (NSIIP), we have brought people together for dialogues and learning opportunities exploring anti-Indigenous racism, decolonization, territorial acknowledgements, and Indigenous perspectives.
Upholding Each Other means creating space for learning, reflection, and growth, within our organization and across the community. Since 2019, our staff have participated in training on Reconciliation, Indigenous awareness, cultural safety and transformative leadership. We have also created opportunities for im/migrants to learn directly from local Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers through our Land We Live On program. Since its launch in 2019, the program has connected hundreds of newcomers to experience and learn about Indigenous world views, arts, sports, and culture, and the true history of these lands.
Responsibility to Our Communities calls on us to keep learning and examining how our work can contribute to more equitable and inclusive communities. Our understanding of Reconciliation has grown from building awareness toward recognizing the need for ongoing action, meaningful relationships, and organizational change. We continue to explore decolonized approaches and multiple worldviews in our work, while acknowledging that Reconciliation is a long-term journey, not a destination.
As we mark 35 years, we honour the relationships, learning, and dedication that have shaped our past, while recommitting ourselves to advancing equity, strengthening belonging, and serving our community with humility, accountability, and care.
