For me, allyship means listening to Indigenous peoples, and understanding their truth and right to reconciliation; as well, acknowledging that non-Indigenous people, settlers, have a duty to make amends for past atrocities to the best of their ability. Allyship means trying my best to change the negative and racist views of my non-indigenous peers, for example by calling out their hurtful and misguided comments towards Indigenous peoples. And checking and working on my own mistakes.

Decolonization is hard to achieve – it’s every aspect of my life at this point. But focusing less on money, more on the value of nature is incredibly important for everyone to do. I’m working on the little things too, like trying not to obsess about deadlines as much. Decolonization for Indigenous people is so much deeper – land dispossession, access to clean water, restoring culture. We have a long way to go, but I hope we can continue down a good path together. Everyone benefits from decolonization.

To me, allyship involves actively supporting Indigenous people, listening to their needs, and amplifying their voices. It means recognizing privilege and using it to challenge systems of oppression. Another big part of allyship involves educating myself and my kids about colonization and systemic injustices.

Decolonization involves questioning and dismantling colonial structures and ideologies. It involves honouring Indigenous way of knowing, being and doing. This might include learning about local Indigenous histories and lands, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and acknowledging the dramatic impact of colonialism.

To advance these efforts in my circles, I focus on fostering open conversations about privilege and systemic inequality. I encourage others to share their experiences and perspectives, creating a space for learning and growth. I could work on being more proactive rather than reactive—seeking opportunities to engage with these issues before they arise. Additionally, I need to continuously check my biases and assumptions, especially when it comes to understanding the diverse experiences within Indigenous communities.

Sitting uncomfortably with ones feeling, thoughts and reflections is part of the decolonization process.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day serves as a reminder to acknowledge the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous People. This also signifies the resilience and strength of Indigenous People.

When thinking about decolonization, I think about how in everything society does we can take a holistic Indigenous approach which can create an equitable future.

When thinking about ally ship its not just spot you land or training you take its a continuous/reflective journey that we all need to walk together.

The importance of listening, really listening and trying to set aside our colonial ways of knowing, being and doing and making space for Indigenous ways.

Colonization has had a tremendous impact, and its legacy remains with us. That deeply saddens me. As a settler in Amiskwacîwâskahikan, recognized as Treaty Six territory, for me, allyship is a commitment to supporting communities, listening to and learning from them, and acknowledging and respecting their experiences. Personally, I do not see my role as passive but active, a continuous learning journey that requires actions to be taken; it emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about the stories that were silenced for many years. I am hopeful about being able to work toward creating culturally safer environments. Fostering environments that invite us to build relationships based on respect starts conversations about the changes we want to see and the community we want to create.

The work being done by IPERC & CanSolve is about the TRC recommendations & putting that into action by empowering folks to work together to advance the health outcomes for Indigenous patients & their families. By educating all who work in the systems about the history of colonization & the inter generational effects of residential schools we will close the gaps & inequities for Indigenous people. (TRC Calls to Action #18, 19 & 23)