Building Relationships through Reconciliation: Indigenous Cultural Competency - IQ Jan 18-19, 2020

In the post-TRC era of reconciliation, many Canadians are considering what reconciliation might mean to their sector and to their leadership. Indian Residential Schools has generated multiple impacts on Indigenous families and communities, and some impacts continue to resonate and challenge wellbeing. Residential Schools were one of the most significant impacts on Indigenous communities, but it was not the only negative impact. Much of the history of Canada’s development and relationship with Indigenous peoples is hidden, and the secrecy is a barrier to Canada’s reconciliation. Many organizations are also considering how to implement the TRC Calls to Action, including building cultural competence for Indigenous inclusion. Cultural competence can be defined as skills and capacities, as well as values and attitudes. This course will take participants through an approach to cultural competence based on knowledge, skills, values and actions. This course will include an overview of Indigenous Canada, cultural competence or capacity, history of Canada, resilience of Indigenous communities, addressing racism, and skills of the ally to build effective relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities. Led by Certified ICC Facilitators, the course will build on the prior knowledge and experience of participants through dialogue and sharing of wise practices. We will together create a safe space to consider a vision of reconciliation in Canada which builds on the contributions of all Canadians.