A Statement from our Culture Shock Canada Board Chair, Alan Faigal:
On the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we offer this statement of solidarity, given with love. It is a recognition that we live, dance and create on Indigenous Land every single day.
We strive to cultivate inclusive spaces for all – spaces that foster self-esteem and resilience. As dance artists, we have the privilege of practicing our craft in Odawa (Ottawa) and Tkaronto (Toronto), both situated on Turtle Island. Our efforts are rooted in hip hop dance and culture that exist in parallel to many Indigenous art forms. Dance is our form of expression, story-telling, and connection with one another. May our empowering art form bring a sense of harmony and respect for all who face barriers and oppression. We see you and we value you.
Today, we honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and the families and communities that surround them. May this tragic reality spark action against ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities. We wish peace, healing, and justice for their families and for all affected individuals. May the children find their way home and let the weight of our shame cultivate a responsibility to acknowledge injustices that continue to be experienced by Indigenous communities. May the red dress tributes continue to hold us accountable to do better. We wish peace and healing to the families of these children and justice for murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, trans and nonbinary individuals across our country. “No more stolen sisters”
Indigenous cultures and communities are dynamic, weaving history and tradition into the present, continuing on as this land’s caretakers. As an avid reader I’d like to highlight the works of the following Indigenous Writers whose work has greatly impacted my understanding of Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenous Culture:
A useful resource is this list of books written for children and teens compiled by CBC.
Additionally, as a dance educator I am fascinated by the work of Theland Kicknosway
I invite us all to continue supporting Indigenous artists, businesses and initiatives; read works by Indigenous writers; attend enriching cultural events; and engage in humbling conversations with open minds and hearts. May we always challenge and question ideologies that discriminate against anyone’s humanity. May our shared love of dance be a gateway to valuing inclusivity. May we always ask whose voices are missing in the spaces we dance in.
We dance for all people. Learning from the past and cultivating hope for the future.
Miigwetch
For all people…Every Child Matters.
Alan Dean Faigal (he/him)
Board Chair of Culture Shock Canada Charity/Nonprofit
We encourage you to visit the following resources for more information, to help or seek help, to share with others, or to support the community.
Indian Residential School Crisis Line 24hrs can provide support for residential school survivors at 1-866-925-4419.
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Phyllis’ Story: The original orange shirt
2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations
Goodminds is a distributor of education resources, picture books, novels, memoirs and more.
Talking to kids about Residential Schools by Monique Gray Smith
Reclaiming Power and Place: The final report on the National Inquiry into MMIWG
