10 Principles of Reconciliation

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) provides the framework for Reconciliation at all levels and across all sectors of Canadian society. 

Learn more: 

• "The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" by Karine Duhamel, Canadian Museum for Human Rights

• Dialogue on Implementing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through Canada's Bill C-15, Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, University of British Columbia

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), United Nations

• Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Province of British Columbia 

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, as the original peoples of this country and as self-determining peoples, have Treaty, constitutional and human rights that must be recognized and respected.

Learn more: 

• Tanya Talaga on the Indian Act, The Walrus

• The Indian Act Explained, "The Agenda," TVO Today

• Rights Sector Issue: Treaty Negotiations, Rights & Justice Branch, Assembly of First Nations

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Assembly of First Nations

• Indigenous Writes by Chelsea Vowel 

• 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph 

Reconciliation is a process of healing relationships that requires public Truth sharing, apology, and commemoration that acknowledge and redress past harms.

Learn more: 

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Our Stories, Open Library, eCampusOntario

• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

• Pulling Together: Foundations Guide by Kory Wilson and Colleen Hodgson (MNBC), Kory Wilson, BCcampus

Reconciliation requires constructive action on addressing the ongoing legacies of colonialism that have had destructive impacts on Indigenous peoples’ education, cultures and languages, health, child welfare, the administration of justice, and economic opportunities and prosperity.

Learn more: 

• "Nursing and Indigenous Peoples’ Health: Reconciliation in Practice" by Maureen Fitzhenry, Canadian Museum for Human Rights

• National Healing Forests Initiative 

• "Why Reconciliation? Why Now?" by By Karine Duhamel, Canadian Museum for Human Rights

• Bartering with the Bones of the Dead by Laurie Arnold  

• Selkirk College Policy 8645: Exemption from International Fees

• Season 1: Foundations of Knowledge, Outdoor Learning Store

Reconciliation must create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing the gaps in social, health, and economic outcomes that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

Learn more: 

• In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care

• Indigenous Education Protocol, Colleges & Institutes Canada, Signed by Selkirk College

All Canadians, as Treaty peoples, share responsibility for establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships.

Learn more:

• "First Nations and Higher Education: The Four R's — Respect, Relevance, Reciprocity, Responsibility" by Verna J. Kirkness, Ray Barnhardt, Journal of American Indian Education, JSTOR

• "Indigenization as Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Decolonization: Navigating the Different Visions for Indigenizing the Canadian Academy" by Adam Gaudry, Danielle Lorenz, Sage Journals

The perspectives and understandings of Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge-Keepers about the ethics, concepts, and practices of Reconciliation are vital to long-term reconciliation. 

Learn more:

• Nanihtsulyaz ‘int’en (Do Things Gently) ʔes zuminstwáx kt (We Take Care of One Another) by Taylor Devine, Marlene Erickson, Barb Hulme, Darlene McIntosh, Amelia Washington and Carina Nilsson (illustrator), BCcampus

• “Viewpoints” on Reconciliation: Indigenous Perspectives for Post-Secondary Education in the Southern Interior of BC by Christopher Horsethief, PhD, Dallas Good Water, MA, Harron Hall, BA, Jessica Morin, MA, Roy Pogorzelski, MSc, PhD (Candidate) and Michele Morin

• Pulling Together: A Guide for Researchers, Hiłḵ̓ala by Dianne Biin, Deborah Canada, John Chenoweth and Lou-ann Neel, BCcampus

Supporting Indigenous peoples’ cultural revitalization and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, oral histories, laws, protocols, and connections to the land into the Reconciliation process are essential. 

Learn more:

• Salish School of Spokane 

• Buffy with Falen Johnson, CBC Podcasts, CBC Listen 

• Reclaimed with Celeigh Cardinal, Live Radio, CBC Listen 

• First Voices  

Reconciliation requires political will, joint leadership, trust-building, accountability, and transparency, as well as a substantial investment of resources.  

Learn more:

• Project of Heart 

• "Reconciliation Fund Plan Would Allow Victoria Homeowners to Donate to First Nations via Property Tax," CBC News 

• First Peoples' Cultural Council 

• Pulling Together: A Guide for Front-Line Staff, Student Services, and Advisors by Ian Cull, Robert L. A. Hancock, Stephanie McKeown, Michelle Pidgeon and Adrienne Vedan, BCcampus

• Pulling Together: A Guide for Leaders and Administrators by Sybil Harrison, Janice Simcoe, Dawn Smith and Jennifer Stein, BCcampus

Reconciliation requires sustained public education and dialogue, including youth engagement, about the history and legacy of residential schools, Treaties, and Indigenous rights, as well as the historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society. 

Learn more: 

• Kuper Island, CBC Podcasts, CBC Listen 

• Residential Schools, Indian Horse (Feature Film) 

• "Top 10 Indigenous Podcasts," Raven

• Pulling Together: A Guide for Curriculum Developers by Asma-na-hi Antoine, Rachel Mason, Roberta Mason, Sophia Palahicky and Carmen Rodriguez de France, BCcampus

• Pulling Together: A Guide for Teachers and Instructors by Bruce Allan, Amy Perreault, John Chenoweth, Dianne Biin, Sharon Hobenshield, Todd Ormiston, Shirley Anne Hardman, Louise Lacerte, Lucas Wright and Justin Wilson, BCcampus