This month I have started to read “Peace and Good Order: The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada” by Harold R. Johnson to expand my understanding of the truth in a story that is both local and recent. The relevance of these stories in a time and space where many feel this is “history long-passed” is not lost on me.  I’m grateful to have National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and I encourage everyone to take some time to listen, learn and then take meaningful action in your own life, in the way that best aligns with your situation and positionality.

I am spending the month of September reading books by Indigenous authors. Although learning about the worst parts of our shared history is a necessary component of reconciliation for all Canadians, I think that including everyday Indigenous creativity, perspectives and media in our lives is an equally important piece of the puzzle. I think sometimes it’s difficult to think about the darkness of our past that we forget to also work towards making light in the present and future and reading about indigeneity in all its facets really helps me to do that.

Reconciliation is a constant process. Of learning and unlearning. Of asking and listening. Of leading and following. As a design practitioner reconciliation involves personal reflection, collective dialogue, and community engagement. It requires research, participation, and most importantly, a mindset of co-creation. I am often inspired by Matthew Hickey’s reflection on designing through Indigenous knowledge; “we must appreciate that we are part of a system that is larger and, in many ways, more important than ourselves.”  Design is not a singular product; it reflects histories and produces futures. If we aspire to a more inclusive and decolonized present and future, we must be active participants in designing collectively alongside indigenous communities with respect, reciprocity, and relationality.

Truth and Reconciliation means acknowledging my complacency in a system that neglects and oppresses Indigenous communities, thinking critically about things like fashion, style, and the books I read and making a conscious effort to seek out Indigenous owned brands, Indigenous authors, and Indigenous creators.

I’ve had the opportunity to work on a few projects in the last few years for and with Indigenous groups. In all cases, we have been welcomed with open arms, hearts, and minds, and have endeavored to do the same. I think that by listening and striving to understand the perspectives of our Indigenous clients and user groups and keeping those perspectives in the forefront throughout the design process, we are taking small steps toward reconciliation. I have learned that to understand another perspective you often need to question your own, and this can be difficult. There have been moments of discomfort, of guilt, and of sorrow. But there have been so many moments of awe, and of respect, and of appreciation. I am humbled to have had the opportunities I have to engage with Indigenous culture and traditions through these projects, and I hope my gratitude comes through in the spaces we have created together.

Reconciliation is a process that is complex, continuous, and critical. It is about acknowledging a dark history that must never be repeated. It is about respecting Indigenous inherent rights and self-determination. It is about taking responsibility and building relationships. It is about healing and humility and appreciating the deep connection to the land. Reconciliation means sitting in discomfort, engaging in courageous conversations, and challenging assumptions. It means ceding power and privilege. It means putting aside fear of making a mistake and taking action. It’s about making mistakes, learning from them, and doing better. It’s about creating safe and accountable spaces.  It is appreciating different worldviews and ways of knowing, being and doing. It’s about progress and walking forward together, it is about building a new relationship – in a good way. I look forward to our shared journey in continuing to learn and build capacity. hiy hiy, huy ch q’u, and miigwetch.