Building Connections Where There Were Once Walls

"Indigenous people believe that Man belongs to the World; civilized people believe that the World belongs to Man." ~ Daniel Quinn

"We cannot allow some people to be left at the back of the human rights bus... We must ensure the rights of individual groups or people -be they indigenous peoples, or peoples of Asian or African or American descent, or Jews or Muslims- are not sacrificed on an altar of progress for some while there are setbacks to others." ~ Matthew Coon Come

The Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission fosters understanding by addressing historical injustices, promoting dialogue, and encouraging healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, thereby dismantling barriers of mistrust and division.

In our society, Indigenous Peoples who break down barriers are those who ignore limits.

Power comes from building connections where there were once barriers.

Partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada show this idea in action, bringing different groups together to work towards reconciliation. Cross-sector alliances, like those led by the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, focus on protecting the environment while also defending Indigenous rights. Labor unions, such as the Canadian Labour Congress, fight for fair treatment of Indigenous workers, seeing workplace equality as an important issue.

Colleges and universities in every province of Canada are also stepping up by making education more accessible to Indigenous students and including Indigenous knowledge in their teaching, which changes how knowledge is shared and valued.

These partnerships are built on common goals of justice and protection.

Programs like the Indigenous Guardians Program and Amnesty International’s work for Indigenous women show this shared purpose.

Real power often comes from peaceful actions like cultural exchanges and conversations. Reconciliation Canada’s workshops and events like TEDx help bring Indigenous stories to a wider audience, changing how people think.

The push to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) shows many groups coming together to create change.

Long-term commitments from organizations like the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund help make sure these efforts last, proving that steady, ongoing work is key to lasting progress.