This National Indigenous Peoples Day, it is more important than ever that we use the occasion to take action towards reconciliation. This is not symbolic, nor is it simply an aspirational goal. As recent initiatives such as the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls have so clearly shown, it’s time for every one of us to do something, because good intentions are not enough. Action, particularly on the part of non-Indigenous peoples, is an urgent imperative that will help us to collectively address the state of Indigenous child well-being in Canada. With that in mind, here are three things that I humbly offer that we can do to honour the day and, more importantly, the First Peoples of Canada and Turtle Island: learn, speak up and celebrate.
