CIP respectfully acknowledges it is located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. CIP values the ongoing stewardship of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Friday, September 30, 2022, marks the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Orange Shirt Day also takes place on September 30, raising awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools and promoting the concept of “Every Child Matters”.

CIP acknowledges that there is much work to be done by the Institute to further reconciliation and that it is not a clear or easy path forward. Last year, we encouraged our members to reflect on the tragic history and lasting impacts of the residential school system. For many of us, listening to the stories and truths of those impacted was a challenging but essential experience.

By acknowledging that historical planning practices have been part of the problem, we embrace the journey towards a more inclusive society. Our new five-year strategic plan–1835 Day of Impact–includes More Equitable Planning, Together, as a key pillar. This signals the need to place reconciliation, alongside equity, diversity, and inclusion, at the heart of planning practices.

As a symbolic step towards reconciliation, the elected leadership of CIP and the Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations participated in a Blanket Ceremony led by Chepximiya Siyam’/Chief Janice George, Squamish hereditary chief, and her husband Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph, in advance of the 2022 CIP national conference. The conference was held on the shared territories of the Lil̓wat7úl and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh peoples (Whistler, B.C) and the ceremony–a reaffirmation of the profession’s support for reconciliation through learning, humility, and action–took place at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

We thank Chief Janice and Buddy for sharing their teachings with us, and to the entire team at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for welcoming our delegates to the Lil̓wat7úl and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh peoples shared territories.

CIP also supports the principles put forward in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and recognizes the impact they have on planning. The Institute remains committed to establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. You can learn more about CIP’s commitment, including the Institute’s policy on Indigenous Planning, here.

This year, in recognition of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, CIP staff will take that day to engage in personal learning and reflection, and are encouraged to participate in events and activities of commemoration. The CIP office will be closed out of respect for the Federal statutory holiday and all that it represents.

Below is a list of resources where you can learn about the history of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and the continued need for truth and reconciliation.

Resources:

About the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

Government of Canada

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

CIP and Allied Professions

Other

Podcasts

Supports for Survivors

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.