Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination.

September 30 marked the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and one that CUPS staff spent in partnership with The Alex connecting and learning. Speakers from several Nations joined us to share lived experiences, insights on community action and interaction and the social responsibility to continue on the path to reconciliation. 

And it is a path. It’s not about one day of reflection, it is a year-long conversation about acknowledging, establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples.       

The next stepping stones on this path also come on the heels of a year where CUPS introduced more Indigenous programming and training.

The organization takes Truth and Reconciliation seriously, which is why backing up its words and commitments with action is always top of mind.

Where do we go from here?

In the mind of CUPS Indigenization Strategy Coordinator Wade Maude, the path forward involves having all of the staff included in the discussions, learnings and planning. 

He says that includes recognizing and sharing suggestions on the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report. 

“What are some calls we can realistically implement within a realistic time frame?” says Maude. 

At CUPS, Indigenous issues are part of the overall strategic plan, not a separate discussion. We want Indigenous voices part of the planning and have Indigenization woven throughout. Maude feels that in itself is a profound step forward and it’s a process he’s proud to be part of.

Education to continue

The Cultivation Compassion and Cultural Sensitivity training program is continuing to be a primary educational tool at CUPS, to help staff better understand the traumas that many of our Indigenous clients have endured. 

That training program is being supplemented by several new initiatives. Maude is working to expand the learning opportunities with medicine wheel teachings. In addition, Elders and guest speakers are being invited more consistently to connect with the CUPS team. 

This is an expansion of an already successful program happening at the Child Development Centre, where Blackfoot Elder Randy Bottle and Ruby Eaglechild from the Blood Reserve share stories with some of our youngest community members to help them learn and grow from an early age.

A space to grow

Through the expanded Indigenization programming and initiatives, there is also an opportunity to create a more central space right at CUPS to support Indigenous engagement within the community. 

As part of the CUPS Expanding Impact capital project, there will be a dedicated ceremony space where there can be consistent smudging practices and pipe ceremonies for staff and clients. This space will be accessible for everyone.

As CUPS moves forward, it does so with the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation report. Our collective actions are all done with TRC in mind. We are not only committed to preserving the oral history of Indigenous people but also to build relationships based on understanding and respect and acknowledging traumas they endured through the residential school system.

Truth of Reconciliation may be a long path, but our community at CUPS embraces it with open arms.