150 Acts of Reconciliation for the Last 150 Days of Canada’s 150

This post is part of our co-presented blog series with The Circle, Reconciliation: A Call to Action for Canadians, and is provided by Crystal Fraser and Sara Komarnisky. This multi-part blog series features stories and charities working with Indigenous Peoples on a variety topics and issues affecting Indigenous Peoples in today’s Canada.

On August 4th, there are 150 days left in 2017 – the year of Canada’s 150th birthday. There have been robust discussions this year around reconciliation and we would like to contribute to the conversation. Together, we have written 150 Acts of Reconciliation for the last 150 days of 2017. Many of these are small, everyday acts that average Canadians can undertake, but others are more provocative that encourage people to think about Indigenous-settler relationships in new ways. We encourage you to use #150Acts to share your engagement with each item on the list. To download a printable .pdf version of this list, click here.

1. Learn the land acknowledgement in your region.
2. Find your local reconciliation organization.
3. If there isn’t one, consider joining together with others to start one.
4. Attend a cultural event, such as a pow wow (yes, all folks are invited to these!).
5. Purchase an item from an Indigenous artist. For instance, if you are interested in owning a dreamcatcher or a pair of moccasins, find an Indigenous artist who can craft these items for you and provide you with information about these special creations.
6. Download an Indigenous podcast, like Ryan McMahon’s Red Man Laughing or Molly Swain and Chelsea Vowel’s Métis in Space.
7. Read an autobiography written by an Indigenous person. A couple of ideas include Augie Merasty’s The Education of Augie Merasty, Maria Campbell’s Halfbreed, and Mini Adola Freeman’s Life Among the Qallunaat.
8. Find out if there was a residential school where you live.
9. Memorize its name and visit its former site.
10. Watch CBC’s Eighth Fire.

To read all 150 Acts of Reconciliation, please visit ActiveHistory.ca for the full list. This blog was originally published on Active History and was republished with permission from authors, Crystal Fraser and Sara Komarnisky.