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Indigenous Relationship Work at RTCC

This Saturday, June 21st, is National Indigenous Peoples Day. To support our growth as an organization and community in building stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) and communities, we would like to survey our Board and Staff on our existing familiarity and experience working with Indigenous communities and knowledge of Indigenous teachings, practices, and cultures.

We ask that you spend time reflecting on these questions and answering. Please feel free to read them and return to answer them a different day.

Please complete this form by Sunday, June 29th.

What comes to mind when you hear the term “Indigenous relationship building”?

(There are no right or wrong answers—just share what you think or feel.)

Please share any personal or professional experiences you may have had with Indigenous culture, community, ceremony, or history.

(If yes, feel free to share as much or as little as you like.)

What are you interested in learning about Indigenous history and peoples?

(This helps us know what people are interested in learning.)

What might strengthen your capacity to learn more about colonial/settler history, Indigenous communities, teachings, and ceremonies?

What kinds of learning opportunities would you find helpful?

Workshops or training sessions

Guest speakers or storytelling

Reading materials or videos

Informal discussions or circles

Other (please specify)

Would you like to learn and do more?

Building relationships often begins with simply showing up. We encourage you to attend the Na-Me-Res Pow-wow this Saturday, June 21st at Fort York (starting at noon). You can also save the Date for October 4th for the Annual Native Child and Family Services Pow-wow. Here is an accompanying quick guide to attending your first Pow-wow.

As a City of Toronto Agency, we can leverage the existing resources and networks available to us. Management has met with the City's Indigenous Affairs Office as a starting point at one of their Tea Talks, if you wish to attend a future session, please discuss with Management. Here is a brief primer on Indigenous Peoples in Toronto: An Introduction for Newcomers.

There are also courses you can enrol in, including the City of Toronto training through ELI, Indigenous Canada, and Home on Native Land.

The Ralph Thornton Community Centre is located on land with a compelling story, closely linked to the people who have lived here for thousands of years. Learn more about the treaties, and in particular the treaties that cover our neighbourhood. You can also take a look at this interactive global map of Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages.

As always, read and understand the 94 Calls to Action developed from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. You can read about the federal government’s inaction on the Calls to Action here.