Truth and Reconciliation Day
On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, The Cabbagetown BIA stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples in this, their unceded territory, and across Canada.
Cabbagetown is the unceded territory of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Wendake-Nionwentsïo , Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Mississauga, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
This land remains unceded as a direct result of colonial treaties that systemically worked to strip Indigenous peoples of their land, rights, and way of life. As noted by Peguis First Nations educator Cynthia Bird, “First Nations peoples never envisioned that the long-term outcome of Treaty relations would be their occupying less than three percent of their homeland.” In addition, the terms of the majority of Indigenous agreements throughout Canadian history have been largely ignored and disrespected. Doing business on this land, as the BIA and our members do every day, is, uncomfortably, only possible due to the systemic mistreatment of Indigenous people in Canada. This is something we must acknowledge and work to rectify through a continued commitment to the values of truth and reconciliation.
In order to properly embody the ideals of truth and reconciliation, it is vital to thoroughly research and educate ourselves on the current struggles of the Indigenous groups in our areas and communities. We encourage you to visit native-land.ca to find out whose land you sit on today, and if there is any action you can take to support them.
We also encourage everyone to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indigenous Peoples' cultures, traditions, and languages. Experience the beauty of Indigenous dance, film, and music that tell stories that bridge the gap between generations and honour the diversity that makes our world extraordinary.
- The Cabbagetown BIA
Learn more about Indigenous artwork and culture:
https://torontoartscouncil.org/blog/posts/nine-indigenous-artists-you-should-know
https://ago.ca/collection/indigenous
https://www.artworxto.ca/page/indigenous-arts-in-toronto
https://www.redskyperformance.com/
https://www.indigenoustheatre.com/
