June is Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples, we are reminded of the listening, learning, work and commitment needed to move toward Truth and Reconciliation.
At this time, we are delighted to share BACI’s new Indigenous logo, which will be used alongside the current BACI logo. The new logo is an Eagle Spindle representing peace, unity and upholding one another. It was created by renowned Coast Salish artist Sinámkin — Jody Broomfield, of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation).
The new logo reminds us of our commitment to building and deepening our connections with the Coast Salish Peoples, on whose traditional, ancestral and unceded lands we live, work and love. The new logo also celebrates and reinforces our deep commitment to inclusion and reconciliation.
We invite you to join us in learning more about and honouring the history, strengths and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. For more information on Indigenous History Month, check out this video: https://youtu.be/2tfpswUBezM
Some things people can do during this month of celebration, remembrance and reflection:
- Celebrate Indigenous excellence — for inspiration, take a look at the Indspire Foundation Awards celebrating Indigenous achievement, the Influential Indigenous Women Timeline at the Canada School of Public Service or the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Awards.
- Use the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous Peoples — there are many potential sources of information, such as:
- Share what you have learned with family and friends — encourage others to learn more too.
- Consider donating to, volunteering for, or finding other ways to support Indigenous organizations and causes.
- Support Indigenous businesses.
- Learn more about Truth and Reconciliation — take time to read and reflect upon the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and commit to taking action on at least one of the Calls.
- Make a new or renewed pledge to do your part towards reconciliation. More than ever, we are reminded of the listening, learning, work and commitment needed to move toward Truth and Reconciliation.
BACI agrees with the words of Murray Sinclair, the former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, who said that “reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem, it is a Canadian problem. It involves all of us.” He also stated: “reconciliation is yours to achieve. We owe it to each other to build a Canada based on our shared future, a future of healing and trust.”
