First convened in October 2019, CWLC's Learning Community on Reconciliation is rallying with the understanding that implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC’s) Calls to Action is happening at a slow pace. As of December 2019, the Yellowhead Institute reports that 9 of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action have been met, with 0 of 5 complete in the area of child welfare. If reconciliation in Canada is to advance, non-Indigenous people must make strides in contributing meaningful work.

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With this purpose in mind, CWLC’s initiative is creating opportunities for mainstream child, youth and family serving organizations to:

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• Strengthen their ability to work creatively, respectfully and collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

• Reflect on their practice, learn from peers and experts and prototype and evaluate reconciliation initiatives.

• Operationalize the TRC’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in their organization.

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The community is composed of over 30 organizations from coast to coast, with a cross-cutting focus in child welfare, housing, health and youth justice. Its work is guided by CWLC’s Indigenous Child and Family Committee, Algonquin Traditional Teacher Albert Dumont, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and young people with lived experience in child welfare. The group’s focus is presently on aiding effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in learning more, email Rachel at rachel[at]cwlc.ca.