We believe that the decision of Indigenous communities to participate in the social service sector is not ours to dictate. We believe that requiring Indigenous communities to abide by and embody the approaches, practices and policies of dominant cultures continues the legacy of colonialism. We believe that without the wisdom, culture and knowledge of those who were here before us, our communities would be painfully incomplete.
We believe that the kind of change that we want to see in the world, the systemic changes that need to happen to make our communities stronger and more sustainable, will only happen through deliberate, concerted and enduring efforts to address the underlying structural barriers that get in the way of equity and social justice.
Definitions: how we operate
Reconciliation is about much more than just an apology for past harms. It is about creating an environment that eliminates colonial practices that continue to harm Indigenous people. It is about creating equitable relationships grounded in mutual respect.
Decolonization is a stepping stone to reconciliation. Decolonization is about challenging the dominant Western perspective about how things should be or should be done, all the ways people are expected to adhere to certain (Western) cultural norms. This includes norms around procurement, organizational structures, contracting, hiring, non-verbal communication, patterns of group decision-making, notions of leadership and recognized holidays.
When Coast Salish Nations travelled by canoe to the territories of other Nations, they had to ask permission to come ashore. This was done with the pullers (those in the canoe) holding the paddle-end of their paddles facing upward. This signified, "we come in peace", while a member of the canoe family explained who they were and asked for permission to come ashore.
We symbolize The Federation's journey towards reconciliation as pullers in a canoe. We believe that advancing reconciliation is the responsibility of every settler on and visitor to the lands where we work. We commit to holding our paddles up as we seek to learn from the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial, and to understand the impact our actions have in creating a society of healthy individuals, families and communities, with equitable access to inclusive, comprehensive, high-quality social services.