Latest news with #TruthandReconciliation
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alectra marks Indigenous History Month with key achievement towards truth and reconciliation efforts
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alectra announced today its achievement of Phase 1 certification in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program, marking an important milestone in its ongoing commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation. The announcement coincides with National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect on the diverse cultures, contributions, and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Offered by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), PAIR is a progressive certification framework that evaluates and strengthens corporate performance in Indigenous relations. Completion of Phase 1 signals Alectra's commitment to building respectful, reciprocal, and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities across its service territory. 'As an organization operating on the traditional territories of Indigenous Nations, we recognize that reconciliation is not a one-time act, but a continued responsibility that requires action, accountability, and partnership,' said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. 'Marking this milestone during National Indigenous History Month and approaching National Indigenous Peoples Day, reinforces our commitment to learning, listening, and engaging.' Key elements of Alectra's Phase 1 certification include: Alectra's Indigenous Relations Policy: A guiding framework that outlines Alectra's commitments across leadership, employment, business development, and community relationships. Leadership Statement: A formal affirmation of Alectra's support for reconciliation and its responsibility to promote equitable Indigenous relations. The PAIR Working Group: A cross-functional employee team focused on implementing a transparent and culturally aware approach to Indigenous engagement. Identifying Indigenous Communities: A respectful and collaborative process to identify Indigenous communities within Alectra's service area to support shared objectives. Cultural Awareness Training – Company-wide learning initiatives to build knowledge, understanding, and allyship among employees. Phase 1 certification lays the foundation for Alectra's broader Indigenous strategy. Work is already underway to advance toward Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the PAIR program, which will deepen Alectra's commitments and ensure its activities continue to align with the priorities of Indigenous communities. To learn more about Alectra's 2025 Community Support Plan, visit: About Alectra's Family of Companies Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Bluesky: YouTube: Media Contact Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN
Hamilton Spectator
07-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Catholic board updated on Inspiring Success journey
Trustees discussed the connection between Catholic education and Indigenous spirituality during the Prince Albert Catholic School Division board of education's regular meeting on May 26. The Inspiring Success Journey explored Truth and Reconciliation with the Catholic faith. Father Harry Shalahub, Coordinator of Religious Instruction, and Gwen Clyke, Coordinator of Student Achievement and Assessment, gave a presentation about what the division does to connect the two subjects. 'There's certainly a lot in common with Indigenous spirituality and our faith and the dignity of each person is the first thing that comes to mind, that all nations really respect the dignity of all people,' director of education Lorel Trumier said. The division's three-year Strategic Plan outlines both Inspiring Success and Catholic Faith as priorities. Inspiring Success is a Ministry of Education policy that has the intent to support First Nations students in a way that supports their knowledge. The school division goal is to provide educational opportunities to further the knowledge of Indigenous ways and understanding of Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action with guidance by the Inspiring Success framework. 'There are many things occurring throughout our curriculum and our faith-based opportunities that can support our work on Truth and Reconciliation, and we're being intentional about the aspects of this work,' she explained. It also connects to the faith-based aspect of Catholic education by creating opportunities to make connections to the Catholic faith. The two work hand-in-hand to create opportunities for students and staff to learn about both of the priority areas. The Inspiring Success journey answers two Calls to Action, Call 63 on Indigenous Education and Call 14 on Aboriginal Languages. The Division began the year with a Staff Retreat which included workshops with Elder Liz Settee, Knowledge Keeper Mike Relland and Kevin Phillip as Catholic faith speaker. The retreat was divided into three stations with Indigenous Ways of Knowing with Settee and Relland and Catholic faith with Phillip. Clyke and Shalahub led a Saint Walk where staff learned about the saints represented by each of the schools. 'We take our opportunities for not only faith development, but professional development and reflection on these matters,' Trumier said. This Year's spiritual theme was Living Christ's Mission which connected to the three tipi teachings for the year on Respect, Obedience and Humility. There were presentations, classroom lessons and activities in schools to support them on the Inspiring Success journey. More tipi teaching will be done in upcoming years. 'They're spiritual themes that we journey on each year, and it is a Jubilee Year this year, which heightens our responsibility and the joy that we get from journeying and pilgrimaging together through these processes,' Trumier said. The division also has an Invitational Shared Services Initiative (ISSI) with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation that supports work in Inspiring Success The provincial government has earmarked $92,300 to support the partnership between 2024 and 2028. The funds will go towards land-based learning consultations, elders and knowledge keeper honorariums, and Indigenous education consultants. The division is partnering with PBCN for the application because 70 per cent of Prince Albert Catholic students who live on reserve while attending Catholic schools are PBCN members. The ISSI proposal was initially submitted on April 14, 2023 and the division was notified in late May that the maximum application limit was reduced from $100,000 to $80,000. They resubmitted the application on June 2 to reflect the updated ministry financial criteria and received approval on June 11, 2023. 'There are really some great community partners and people that we come to discuss and to work with, including our Bishop and our clergy as well,' Trumier said. 'There is a committee of all of the Catholic School boards doing this work and helping each other through the process of understanding the best ways to do that.' The presentation was also done at the beginning of Catholic Education Week, which ran from May 25 to June 1. Trumier saluted the work done by everyone in the division. 'We are lucky that we have a team here within our school division that includes not only Superintendent (Wade Mourot), (but) religious coordinators and curriculum coordinators,' Trumier said. 'We have teachers and Administration that are of Indigenous and Metis decent that are supporting our understanding and moving that forward along with the Elders and the community members that are assisting us,' she added. The presentation concluded with a video produced by the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association (SCSBA) entitled 'Lighting the Path to Truth and Reconciliation.' The video included several people from the division including Shalahub and others. The video highlights all eight Catholic Divisions and their journey in Truth and Reconciliation. 'Kudos to my team of teachers and administrators and coordinators who really make it come alive in our schools, I think, we can't do it with all without all our teachers and the people that are organizing and supporting us,' she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Legislative assembly unveils plan for Reconciliation
As First Nations reclaim their sovereignty within the dominion of Canada, existing institutions need to adapt to the new political reality and the GNWT is aiming to be a leader in this new phase of Truth and Reconciliation. Groundwork plans for how the Legislative assembly can move forward in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation as Indigenous self governance becomes a greater part of the decision-making process were released on May 29. It also doubles as the assembly's strategic plan for the next five years. 'The Legislative assembly has adapted over time, incorporating Indigenous leadership, voices, and traditions,' reads the report. 'But now, we must go beyond inclusion and prepare for a future of shared governance with Indigenous governments. 'Self-governance agreements are expanding, and the assembly must evolve to reflect this new reality. To prepare for this shift, we must embed Indigenous worldviews in governance, operations, and workplace culture. This means strengthening governance structures, adapting workplace policies, and begin the process of aligning legislative work with self-determination and co-governance now and in the future.' In the report the action plan is described as a living document, intended to develop and evolve based on feedback. It starts the GNWT's plans to adapt to the changing political reality with five areas, each with five immediate goals. Most of these are plans to gather information and to ensure Indigenous culture and values are reflected in the day to day operations of the assembly. The goals listed include things like developing Indigenous-led training programs for staff, establishing a protocols for engaging Indigenous communities on legislative processes, reviewing legislation to ensure Indigenous language are used in record keeping and legislative documents, removing barriers for Indigenous businesses to work with the assembly and reviewing the members code of conduct to ensure it is in line with Indigenous values, particularly in regards to 'respecting the voices of women and Elders in decision making.' Changes will be implemented by the legislative assembly clerk, currently Glen Rutland, and overseen by the speaker of the assembly. The program will be reviewed after two years and a public consultation on how well it performed will be taken on year four. The program is due for renewal after five years. 'As a workplace, the assembly reflects the diversity and strength of the territory,' says the report. 'It is a space where Indigenous perspectives are not just present but integral, where cultural identity is not separate from professional identity. Employees and Members bring their histories, languages, and traditions into daily work, shaping governance that is not only representative but also responsive to the needs of the people it serves. 'It is a workplace where knowledge is shared across generations, where youth see themselves reflected in leadership, and where reconciliation is not a checklist but a way of working together.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Zawya
29-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
President Cyril Ramaphosa establishes a Commission of Inquiry into delay in investigation and prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. The commission will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe. She will be assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC. The establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes. President Ramaphosa said: 'For many years, there have been allegations of interference in these cases. This alleged interference is seen as the cause of an unacceptable delay in the investigation and prosecution of brutal crimes committed under apartheid. This has caused the families of victims great anguish and frustration. 'All affected families – and indeed all South Africans – deserve closure and justice. A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive terms of reference is an opportunity to establish the truth and provide guidance on any further action that needs to be taken.' The Commission must inquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations on: - whether, why, to what extent and by whom attempts were made to influence members of the South African Police Service or National Prosecuting Authority not to investigate or prosecute cases identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; - whether any members of the SAPS or the NPA improperly colluded with such attempts to influence or pressure them; - whether any action should be taken by an Organ of State, including possible further investigations or prosecutions, of persons who may have acted unlawfully; - whether the payment of any amount in constitutional damages to any person is appropriate. The commission will cover the period from 2003 to the present. Interested parties include victims or families of victims in TRC cases who have a substantial interest in these matters, including parties in the current application proceedings against the President and government. The commission will be expected to complete its work within six months from the date of this proclamation and submit its report within 60 days after the completion of its work. While the families of victims and government have agreed to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, we were not able to reach a settlement on other matters in the application. Government believes that these matters will be addressed through the commission of inquiry while the families want the matters to be determined by a court. The President respects the decision of the families to seek a court order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts. However, government is seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the commission of inquiry. 'As the commission undertakes this important task, we welcome the firm commitment by the NPA and the South African Police Service to investigate and, where appropriate, to prosecute the outstanding TRC cases. In recent years, the NPA has reopened and pursued priority cases. It has assigned dedicated resources to ensure these cases are dealt with effectively. 'As this government, we are determined that those individuals responsible for apartheid crimes and who were not granted amnesty by the TRC be held to account. 'This commission of inquiry is an opportunity to draw a line under a painful period in our country's history. It is an opportunity to establish the truth and take steps, to the extent possible, to put right what may have gone wrong. 'I thank the Commission chairperson and two assistants for agreeing to take on this responsibility and wish them well in their work,' President Ramaphosa said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Hamilton Spectator
20-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Marie Wilson in Sydney to speak about new book
Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Marie Wilson will be in Sydney on Tuesday as part of her Maritime book launch tour. She will speak publicly both in Membertou during the afternoon and at the Eltuek Arts Centre in the evening. Wilson is a Canadian journalist and public administrator who served as one of three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In 2009, she became the lone non-Indigenous commissioner on the commission. She has just released a book based on her experience serving as a Commissioner called 'North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner' (Strong Nations Publishing, Nanaimo, BC 2024). Impressive credentials She came to the position with impressive credentials. In 1982, Wilson was the first host of Focus North, a CBC news program. She researched, reported, wrote and hosted the broadcasts. Her stories educated the public on Canadian cultural and political issues from a northern point of view and both celebrated and supported diverse northern cultures and their struggle for Indigenous rights across the country. In 1995, Wilson created the North's first daily television news service that was reported in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. She continued to hire, train and support Indigenous staff and on-air personalities. In 2009, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's mandate was to allow residential school survivors and their families tell their stories to help themselves and their communities heal. It also sought to create a historical record of the abuses of the residential school system and to recommend ways for survivors and all Canadians to move forward. Wilson, along with Wilton Littlechild and Murray Sinclair travelled the country hearing from some 6,750 people. A report was released in 2015, which drew from five million documents and included 94 Calls to Action. As Wilson describes in her book, she then worked to urge the reading and discussion of the calls to action, to encourage their implementation. A release from her publishers describes: 'With the skills of a journalist, the heart of a mother and grandmother, and the insights of a life as a spouse of a residential school survivor, Commissioner Wilson guides readers through her years witnessing survivor testimony across the country, providing her unique perspective on the personal toll and enduring public value of the commission. 'In this unparalleled account, she honours the voices of survivors who have called Canada to attention, determined to heal, reclaim, and thrive.' Book tour The book tour in the Maritimes is sponsored by the Maritime Regions Justice, Mission and Outreach Committee of the United Church of Canada and Women of First Light – an eastern hub of a non-profit group led by Indigenous women from Wabanaki Territory. Wabanaki includes parts of Quebec, all three Maritime provinces and northeastern United States, and includes five nations with their own languages. The purpose of Women of First Light is to heal its communities and families by remembering and returning to the traditional ways of their ancestors. Wilson speaks Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, and at 7:30 p.m. at the Eltuek Arts Centre. Both events are open to the public and all are welcome.
