It’s about trust. Our relationship with our readers is built on transparency, honesty and integrity. As such, we have launched a trust initiative to tell you who we are, and how and why we do what we do. This article is part of that project.
Sept. 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It is a day to recognize the legacy of the residential school system and its lasting impacts on Indigenous Peoples, families and communities. It is also a day for Canadian citizens, governments, education, health care and social services, businesses, and religious and cultural organizations, to reflect, to take stock of what they are doing to support truth and reconciliation.
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For the editorial team at Metroland, this past year has been one of ongoing education.
We reviewed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action and took particular note of item 86: We call upon Canadian journalism programs and media schools to require education for all students on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law and Aboriginal-Crown relations.
We thought it was important our journalists — many of whom are several years or even a couple decades away from the classroom — receive similar education.
We launched a regular discussion group. Team members were assigned readings and met to discuss the information and consider questions like: How can this knowledge help you in building healthy relationships with Indigenous people? What are the practical guidelines we can take from this knowledge to improve our work as journalists?
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We learned about the TRC’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Jordan’s Principle (a child-first principle to ensure First Nations children access the services they need when they need them), Shannen’s Dream (a youth-driven movement advocating for equitable education funding for Indigenous children), the Indian Act and the Doctrine of Discovery.
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We also hosted educator and activist Dawn T. Maracle, who gave us information on how to create a land acknowledgment, and experts from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
We see this work as steps on our path not a destination. They are reminders there is always more to learn, more to think about and more ways to incorporate truth and reconciliation into journalism.
We welcome your questions and value your comments. Email our trust committee at trust@metroland.com.
Lee Ann Waterman A 20-year veteran of community news, Lee Ann Waterman is editor-in-chief for Torstar Community Brands, York Region and chair of Torstar Community Brands trust committee. Reach her atlwaterman@yrmg.com.
