‘ReconciliACTION’: What is it and how can you take part?

WATCH: The First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina are examining the importance of reconciliation as their forum continues.

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), along with the University of Regina (U of R), are exploring the importance of putting reconciliation to action.

The National Building Reconciliation Forum this week in Regina is doing just that, ensuring active participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 calls to action through ‘ReconciliACTION.’

“Reconciliation was the initial sort of buzzword,” U of R Associate VP of Indigenous Engagement Lori Campbell told CTV News Thursday. “Now that we all have a decent understanding of what that is, we’re wanting to ensure action is taken.”

Campbell added while reconciliation is the broader goal of mending relationships and addressing past injustices, ‘ReconciliACTION’ is the practical, actionable component of that goal.

“In the last few years, it’s really when it’s come to fruition,” she said. “We understand reconciliation – or we think we do – but what is the actual action we’re going to take to live it?”

“And how do we do that within our institutions?” Campbell added.

FNUniv and the U of R say they have a unified approach when it comes to the future of Indigenous education.

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According to the latest statistics, the University of Regina’s enrollment contains 13 per cent of Indigenous students – while the FNUniv has 90 per cent.

Campbell said bringing Indigenous voices into the conversation is one way to practice ‘ReconciliACTION.’

“Sometimes it feels like things are going very slow,” she said. “Universities were created without Indigenous peoples in mind. Now we need to correct that. And I’d like to think they want to do better.”

Campbell also suggested having age-appropriate conversations with youth about the 94 TRC calls to action can also increase education, despite how difficult those conversations can be.

“We have hard conversations with children all the time,” she said. “You can have a hard conversation about residential schools in a way that is age appropriate with children. And there’s many resources out there for that.”

The National Building Reconciliation Forum wrapped up Thursday. The event also announced next year’s forum is slated to happen in Chicoutimi, Que.

- With Files from Damian Smith