September 30th marked the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives us each an opportunity to have meaningful dialogues with those in our community about the effects of residential schools to help us better understand our role in working towards just futures free from systems of silence, violence and racism. As a non-Indigenous person, I humbly recognize I am on a lifelong learning journey when it comes to understanding my own role in ongoing systems of colonialism. With other members of the Executive team, I plan to participate in the KAIROS Blanketing Exercise on October 2nd, and I encourage staff to register as well.
We recognize that colonialism is not only a thing of the past but it also affects the systems and policies that prevail today. At the same time, we are witness to Indigenous acts of resistance, resilience and resurgence of the rich ancestral knowledge and cultures that have existed since time immemorial and will continue for future generations.
At LABC, it is vital that we continually look to Indigenous leadership for guidance as we journey through the process of Truth and Reconciliation, while also taking responsibility for the work we hold as non-Indigenous staff members. Our commitment remains steadfast in improving our legal services to better support Indigenous peoples who come to us for legal help in a system that does not always value their experiences.
Salman Azam
Interim CEO