As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Concert Properties is once again reflecting on the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, ensuring every employee understands this impact and that “Every Child Matters”. To honour this significant day, the company has programmed a week of activities designed to educate, engage and inspire meaningful dialogue among our employees.
“We recognize that achieving meaningful Truth and Reconciliation requires ongoing reflection, action and partnership with Indigenous communities,” says Aran Clarke, Interim Chief Administration Officer. “Providing our employees educational resources and activities is one of many steps we’re taking on this important journey of understanding the profound resilience of Indigenous peoples and the lasting impacts of the residential school systems and other injustices they endured.”
Activities are centred around learning about Indigenous history, culture and resilience, with a special focus on the contributions of Indigenous leaders and the power of storytelling to deepen our understanding and shift outdated and incorrect narratives. “Our commitment to truth and reconciliation is a journey of learning, respect and collaboration,” says Ruth Legg, Vice President, Environment, Social & Governance. “By honouring Indigenous knowledge, respecting their rights, and fostering genuine partnerships, we can create inclusive communities that reflect our shared values and histories.”
The program includes an interactive session led by Charla Huber, an Indigenous Relations and Communications consultant, whose experience in Indigenous communication methods and relationship-building has been integral to the company’s reconciliation initiatives. “Working with Concert Properties has been a great experience, and it’s clear that these initiatives are not just important to the company, it’s important to the people who make up the organization. People here want to learn, they are looking at ways they can support others, and their own education,” says Huber.
Charla brings a unique perspective from her journalism career and her deep ties to First Nations and Inuit communities. “My work focuses on amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering mutual understanding across communities,” says Huber. Charla will be hosting an interactive Potlatch Card Game that invites employees to explore Indigenous values of sharing and community through a unique game that teaches economic principles.
The week also features virtual educational sessions from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, with topics such as ‘Health related impacts of the residential school system’ and ‘How do we address the barriers to reconciliation?’. A session held on Tuesday September 24 discussed ‘Allyship and confronting unconscious bias,’ with residential school survivors talking about the prevalence of bias still present in attitudes and societal systems today. The speakers shared the approaches that can be taken to confront and change these attitudes and how society can dismantle biases and support true allyship. One key takeaway from an employee who joined the session was the need to shift the framing of Indigenous peoples as victims, and instead describe them as strong and resilient.
In addition to these sessions, employees watched a screening of the documentary Reel Injun. This film explores the portrayal of Indigenous peoples in Hollywood films and serves as a powerful reflection on how media shapes our perceptions and reinforces the importance of accurate, respectful depictions of Indigenous communities.
This year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not only about reflection, but continued action. We are hopeful that these resources will provide our employees with the opportunity to learn from Indigenous leaders, and both reflect and act on our shared responsibility toward reconciliation. Learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation here.