National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021

On the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, ACWS is pausing to reflect on our role in this process and to reaffirm our commitment to systemic and personal change. The safety of Indigenous women, their families and their communities depends upon all of us to take action, to unlearn what we have been taught and to learn the truth. Through collaboration with community leaders, Elders, activists, and on-reserve shelters, ACWS has started on the long road to reconciliation. We have developed a publicly available curriculum, tools, and land acknowledgments to facilitate greater understanding of Indigenous history and culture as part of our work. ACWS ‘ Board of Directors is integrating anti-racist and anti-colonial training and practices into regular meetings and creating policy.

Indigenous voices need to be heard, and we strive to have these voices inform decision-making processes at ACWS. We will never simply make statements about reconciliation. We will take action. 

• Please read our annual update on our progress towards our Statement of Principles, Values, and Commitments to Actions for Indigenous Women, Girls, and their Families in our Annual Report (page 14).
• Download Stepping into the Circle resources.
• Read more about ACWS’ Journey to Reconciliation.
• We are collaborating with the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) to work on a new project. Our three province-wide organizations will focus on reducing intersectional barriers for Indigenous survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Read more on Centring Relationships to End Violence.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events:

• Visit ANFCA’s social media for event listings and posts.

Government Resources:

• Resources from the Government of Canada, on Understanding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

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