September 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, an annual day to honour the Survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home, as well as their families and communities. The day is also an important reminder of the central role that so-called Canada played in the operation of 140 residential schools, between 1831 and 1998.
As a community-based organization dedicated to the health and wellness of our communities, CBRC recognizes the importance of playing an active role in Reconciliation. CBRC has been on a journey to reconciliation since 2016, when we endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. With the subsequent establishment of the Two-Spirit Program and the full integration of Two-Spirit and Indigenous staff into the culture of the organization and delivery of our programs, CBRC continues our efforts to decolonize our practices.
“We must acknowledge the ways in which CBRC has and continues to contribute to colonization and anti-indigenous racism. CBRC’s commitment to decolonization remains ongoing but we are proud of the progress we’ve made as an organization, with much gratitude to the Indigenous and Two-Spirit staff, partners, and communities who walk alongside us. CBRC is particularly proud of the leadership our Two-Spirit Program plays in improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and Two-Spirit people across the country,” says Brook Biggin, CBRC’s Interim Executive Director.
“We are proud of the work that has come these past few years from our Two-Spirit Team, especially with this year’s Medicine Bundle Project, which has demonstrated what can be accomplished with community driven work that utilizes a two-eyed seeing approach to health in our communities.” says Jessy Dame, Two-Spirit Program Manager.
Learn more about CBRC’s Two-Spirit Program and the great work they’re leading here.
