Origins

On April 26th, 2017, 150 Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from the Ottawa Catholic School Board and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board participated in a Youth for Reconciliation event organized by Màmawi Together. In addition to making personal commitments to reconciliation, they focused on what Canada could do or be in the future. This event produced nine actionable challenges that would help make reconciliation a reality.

On May 11, 2017, at the Màmawi Together 5th Annual Speaker Series, the students’ personal commitments were shared, and a small group of students presented the nine “calls to action” to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett, and Honorary Patron, Senator Murray Sinclair, before an audience of more than 500 community members and witnesses.

Personal commitments included to: continue to be personally more aware and educated; help raise awareness and educate others; help empower Indigenous people; use social media platforms to inform everyone of the positives of Indigenous cultures and traditions. Many Indigenous students committed to learn more about their culture and their languages and then share their knowledge and help mentor others.