arc programs upholds a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. We acknowledge that colonialism is responsible for Indigenous Peoples being subjected to historical and ongoing Indigenous specific racism, oppression and exclusion, including policies of forced assimilation and cultural genocide that still exists today. We are dedicated to supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families in our communities. We strive to create equitable and inclusive spaces for Indigenous staff, partners, and community members, and stand alongside them to demand an end to the systemic inequities faced by Indigenous Peoples, and to emphasize the inherent strengths, knowledge and wisdom that resides in their communities. We commit to Transformative Reconciliation work through our actions and engagement.
Image rights granted to arc programs by the Ministry of Children and Family Development under the Aboriginal Policy and Practice Framework, British Columbia.
The framework’s model for restorative policy and practice is Child, Youth, Family and Community-Centred; Culture-Centred; Inclusive, Collaborative and Accountable; and focused on Resilience, Wellness and Healing.
In this framework, the Circle process is represented by a series of interconnected circles: Gathering the Circle; Listening/Assessing and Finding Solutions; Creating Security, Belonging, and Well-Being; and Keeping the Circle Strong. These circles centre on Indigenous children, youth, and families.
Image rights granted to arc programs by the Ministry of Children and Family Development under the Aboriginal Policy and Practice Framework, British Columbia.
If the Circle process is followed, we should see a model emerge that supports policy and practice to be Child, Youth, Family and Community-Centred; Culture-Centred; Inclusive, Collaborative and Accountable; and Resiliency, Healing and Wellness focused.
According to the official APPF Reflection Statements*, restorative approaches to practice require:
*Source: The Aboriginal Policy and Practice Framework (APPF), which applies to all policy and practice involving Indigenous children, youth, and families in British Columbia, living on reserve or in urban communities, who receive services from an Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency or Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Central to the success of our work in community, is a fundamental belief that our staff be aware that historical and ongoing colonialism, Indigenous specific racism, oppression and exclusion is responsible for intergeneration trauma, and the harm this continues to have on Indigenous children, youth, and families. Collectively we want to be better accomplices with Indigenous Peoples, and continue to collaboratively work towards equitable, accessible, and culturally relevant and responsive services for Indigenous children, youth, and families.
We all need to learn and understand our shared history in a way that moves us towards a stronger and healthier future, with relationships rooted in mutual understanding and respect.
As we seek meaningful engagement and sustained relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations – based on equality, good faith, and mutual respect TRC Call to Action 66 – we are guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which establishes the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples and protects them from discriminatory policies and practices.
Collectively, our individual actions can create tremendous impact. Like many, you may be unsure where to start. Perhaps you have younger children wanting to learn more, or have been interested in the history of residential schools in Canada? Some suggested first steps are below, on your journey to towards Truth and Reconciliation:
The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada has created this kid-friendly version of the Calls to Action. A great way to learn alongside younger members of your family.
Learn about the dark history behind the residential school system and how Canada’s treatment of Indigenous children and families throughout our past, continue to be felt in the inequities faced by many Indigenous peoples today: Reconciling History | First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
Cindy Blackstock, Canadian Gitxsan activist for child welfare and executive director of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada, reminds us that the time to act is now. The issues facing our youth require resolution within a timeframe that “respects that children only have one childhood”. The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (NCS) has a plan to remedy the inequalities of today: The Spirit Bear Plan
The Caring Society encourages us to write to the Government of Canada urging them to fully implement the Spirit Bear Plan and respond to all 94 Calls to Action. Please use this template to hold them accountable and call them to action: Orange Shirt Day Letter