Yesterday was Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an important step for the country to honour the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The non-profit housing sector his being called upon in the Commission's Recommendations, to educate ourselves and our teams on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism and to commit ourselves to our responsibilities toward acting in a manner that aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). A fulfillment of UNDRIP would include the achievement of a right to housing for all Indigenous peoples in Manitoba, in a manner that is self-determined by and for Indigenous peoples.

MNPHA encourages our members to reflect on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation, and to consider how we are working towards Reconciliation in our daily work, as we endeavour to do the same.

To learn more, some resource include: about Orange Shirt Day; The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action; Orange Shirt Days at the Manitoba Museum; a resource list, including supports for survivors, from the National Association of Friendship Centres