This summer, the remains of hundreds of children were found on the sites of former Canadian residential schools. After the discovery of these unmarked graves, Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord gathered many signatures in support and partnership. Partners of the Accord collaborate with local Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, groups and individuals to explore and implement steps to achieve reconciliation. Sara Riel and Marymound signed the Accord in September 2021. “It’s very important that we all walk with Indigenous people, and listen and learn from them,” says Tara Snider, CEO of Sara Riel Inc.
As an organization that offers services for mental health and addictions, Sara Riel joined the Accord to reduce the barriers, stigma and racism Indigenous people face when accessing health services. The organization aims to focus on the ninetieth call to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada which says, “We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal peoples, to establish measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.” Sara Riel’s efforts focus on suicide, mental health and addictions. “When offering our services to Indigenous people we need to make sure it’s done respectfully,” says Snider.
Given that it supports youth and families, many of which are Indigenous, Marymound was deeply engaged in listening and understanding truth and reconciliation before becoming a partner of the Accord. “Signing the Accord was a way to publically step forward and show that reconciliation is of deep importance to us,” says Nancy Parker, Executive Director at Marymound. As a partner of the Accord, the organization focuses on weaving in Indigenous approaches into policies, practices, healing models, and other Indigenous programs. This includes having an Elder in residence and complementing Western approaches with Indigenous approaches to trauma, addictions and mental health.
Each year, partners of the Accord reflect on and review their commitment to reconciliation. They set and modify goals, and track their progress. “What’s promising about the Accord is that, instead of giving partners generic recommendations, it calls on them to look at their organization and make changes,” says Tara. “When we sign the Accord we’re committing to making real change.”
The more partners the Accord has, the more the City of Winnipeg will see change. “Winnipeg has one of the largest Indigenous populations in Canada. We see the effects of policies, racism, colonization, and residential schools. We see the disintegration of Indigenous communities and families. To have the City create something that supports reconciliation is very beneficial because it helps us create a better future collectively,” says Parker.
To join the Accord, please visit https://winnipeg.ca/indigenous/wia/.
