Hiring more indigenous staff and youth, learning the basics of the Squamish language, incorporating traditional names in public projects, and conserving archaeological heritage: These are just a few changes council is being asked to make to enable reconciliation at the municipal level.
The changes are among 90 potential commitments through which the districts can action the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), according to a workshop conducted with the council by Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee of the Squamish Nation.
In October 2018, the Squamish council committed to upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action.
In November 2019 and September 2020, the council and district staff took part in workshops, and now the staff is forming an internal staff committee known as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee.
IDEA will oversee the implementation of the Declaration, TRC Calls to Action, and overall commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within the District.
The district plans to create a work plan on how it will begin implementing the declaration’s call to action.
The committee will report to council with a detailed work plan and project information later in 2021.
Here are some notable recommendations on what the district could do to action the UNDRIP. These suggestions came from the workshop led by Nahanee:
Move away from the “tick-a-box” mentality around engagement.
Take time to understand projects/issues through working with Squamish Nation before project plan development.
Push a social procurement project with Squamish Nation in next 18 months.
Develop personal relationships with Squamish Nations staff and learn, through observation and discussion, the preferred ways of engaging, for example, meals, prayers, songs, personal connections prior to jumping into business.
Integrate transitional place names and geographical knowledge into decision-making where possible.
Continue to provide cultural sensitivity training to all district staff.
Use Council meetings to learn about Squamish Nation.
