https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/contact daily 0.75 2022-03-01 https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/pagela daily 0.75 2022-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/de93a9a8-dd0c-410d-b947-1c2f4e4e3aed/2.jpg Landing Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/fcc14404-e74a-4e02-993b-9923c5ae38c5/3+copy.jpg Landing Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/03d9b88e-f7dd-4cba-b0a5-23e5ac4739ad/1+copy.jpg Landing Page https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/alliedfutures-project-event-info daily 1.0 2022-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/82d7907c-8780-46a0-85d1-ba1c8495e47d/Untitled+design+-+2022-02-16T172042.904.png alliedFutures Project Event Info - A guided knowledge sharing series led by a community of settlers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. An educational toolkit to get informed, unlearn and unsettle. As leaders in our community, it is time to unpack what it means to be a settler in Treaty 7 Territory. To move from intent to impact. Values to actions. Settler to Unsettler. Learn how to consciously disrupt your mindset and the spaces you’re in. This series is for leaders and teams across Treaty 7 committed to participating in the journey to Reconciliation. Sign up today! A portion of the registration fee from the alliedFutures project are donated to the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth, supporting them in their mission to empower Indigenous youth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/03d9b88e-f7dd-4cba-b0a5-23e5ac4739ad/1+copy.jpg alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/fcc14404-e74a-4e02-993b-9923c5ae38c5/3+copy.jpg alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/de93a9a8-dd0c-410d-b947-1c2f4e4e3aed/2.jpg alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/7a4af5f9-f732-488b-814d-a26dc113fa50/keegan-starlight-portrait.jpg alliedFutures Project Event Info - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1644517798047-EHAJWTRTONK4SVVFMSA0/1632874297195.jpg alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1644517919704-JXHZV7CHBGE0KPGB0T3T/Dion-Profile-1.png alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1644519063522-X0YW5EAQJG0RAQYPS1MF/IMG_7402.jpg alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1645036951575-JOUNZ22BKNLUXADMMCB0/Untitled+design+-+2022-02-16T113827.167.png alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1646266072303-BLEFSC4PHF5AAKMJEH8D/Untitled+design+-+2022-03-02T170704.550.png alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1646936738404-FF2VI53NR9DRFMGA2Q59/Screen+Shot+2022-03-10+at+11.24.07+AM.png alliedFutures Project Event Info https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1646936759721-QOFW8K070TZYAX78YDKO/Screen+Shot+2022-03-10+at+11.06.37+AM.jpg alliedFutures Project Event Info https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/sitting-in-truth daily 0.75 2022-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/2dc6987c-989c-4abb-af10-d0253cfb466e/first-nations-photographs-harry-pollard+%2817%29.jpg Sitting in Truth - A Brief Look Into Canadian History First Nations people inhabited Turtle Island (North America) for thousands of years before Europeans arrived on the continent (2). The timeline of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada started in the 1400s. Below we aim to provide a very brief historical context. For that reason, we encourage you to dive deeper into the Timeline of Indigenous People from Canadian Encyclopedia (18). Indigenous and settler relationships started collaboratively to build alliances, ensure safety, and share culture. Indigenous technology and knowledge of hunting, trapping, and fishing were vital to European survival. In exchange, Indigenous people had access to European weaponry and goods. A relationship of mutual opportunity and a sharing of cultures enabled Europeans to settle in this unknown territory. As Indigenous communities became devastated by smallpox, measles, and tuberculosis, settlers saw an advantage to deliberately spread illness (19). Diminishing Indigenous populations and the growth of French colonists led to the allyship between English and Indigenous peoples. This allyship launched the 150-year war between English communities and Indigenous Nations residing in the Ontario/Quebec region against the French settlers (19). Understanding the importance of having Indigenous alliances, the English signed treaties that reinforced trust, peace, and mutual interest. Royal Proclamations and Treaties were signed to establish how the government could acquire land by protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and negotiating on a nation-to-nation basis (19). These Royal Proclamations and Treaties legally protected Indigenous peoples and created a large trust fund for purchased land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/7a909f7d-6921-450d-afa4-c9b63b14e0e8/Add+a+subheading+%286%29.png Sitting in Truth During this time, Indigenous people continued to experience disease, destruction of their culture, and annihilation of their primary food sources, such as buffalo; these experiences resulted from continuous betrayal by the people assumed to be their allies (18). Settlers realized that these Royal Proclamations and Treaties protected Indigenous people and came with rights to land and a large trust fund (18). The goal was to eliminate treaty rights so that the government could access the land and trust fund. Settlers concluded that if they eliminated Indigenous populations, money and resources would default to the Canadian Government. In response, the Canadian government introduced the Indian Act with the purpose of stripping Indigenous people of their identities. The Indian Act and a series of reports by the government proposed that the best way to assimilate Indigenous people into Euro-Canadian culture was to separate children from their parents. If parents could not pass on their knowledge and culture, their children would no longer identify as Indigenous. As a result, Indigenous culture would eventually be lost, resulting in the Canadian Government gaining access to the protected land and Indigenous trust fund. The Canadian Government then introduced Residential Schools to assimilate Indigenous children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/5a412095-7e1a-4bd8-bcfe-e645c9005d16/00INDIGENOUS-SCHOOLS1-mobileMasterAt3x.jpg Sitting in Truth Around the 1950s, several studies revealed that Residential Schools were ineffective at eliminating the ‘Indian Problem,’ and the government began to consider new ways to separate Indigenous children from their families (19), as a result, Residential Schools evolved into Day Schools (19). Then the Canadian Government started a marketing campaign to have Indigenous children adopted into non-Indigenous homes, which we now refer to as the 60s Scoop. At this time the government began to pay marketing teams to promote the adoption and fostering of Indigenous children into non-Indigenous families across the globe. Now that you have a brief understanding of Canada’s history with Indigenous people, we will expand on some of the concepts covered above. Continue reading to further your understanding of the Indian Act, Residential Schools, and the 60s Scoop in further detail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/eae57174-cd12-4113-8b03-10e4fa3f1924/Add+a+subheading+%287%29.png Sitting in Truth - Canada’s Dark History: A Look at Residential Schools The Indian Residential School System in Canada was yet another strategy by the Canadian Government, in partnership with the Roman Catholic and Anglican Church, to abolish Indigenous culture. Residential Schools began in the late 1800s with 139 active institutions at the height of enrolment, with approximately 150,000 children attending (1). For a more specific timeline, watch Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline (7). Children were torn away from their families and placed into Euro-Canadian schools, where it was forbidden to practice their traditions or speak their languages (2) [Image - (20)]. In addition, children attending Residential Schools often faced severe emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual abuse. By cutting the connection between the children in these schools and their cultural values, the Canadian Government created a system that “prevented the transmission of cultural values and identities from one generation to the next” (2), determining to erase Indigenous identities. For the next part of this journey, we ask that you listen to Historica Canada’s 3 Part Podcast Series (17) on First Nations, Métis and Inuit experiences, acknowledging Canada’s dark history. Photo: Kent Monkman | The Scream | 2017 | Acrylic on canvas | 84” x 126” | Collection of the Denver Art Museum | Image courtesy of the artist https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/allyship daily 0.75 2022-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/0e1c0640-5f0d-4bd9-bffa-f7be18de4f05/Allyship.png Allyship - What is Allyship? Allyship means putting our egos aside, recognizing our privilege, empathizing with others, and addressing our role in perpetuating colonialism. Our reality is determined by our social location—how we fit into the world. This is based on our socioeconomic status, our religion, our race, our ethnicity, and all other factors that contribute to how we self-identify. When we begin to accept that these factors are complex, multilayered and different for every person, it can change our interactions and offer opportunities to expand our perspectives and strive for equity. Once we have accepted what we believe to be true, we can use that knowledge to aid us on our next step to allyship. “An ally feels a sense of responsibility to use their knowledge, skills, and position of privilege to drive tangible change” (1). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/98742a3a-1156-4ca3-bae1-807f06f27ac3/Social+Location+%281%29.png Allyship - Social Location Social location can be summarized as “the social position an individual holds within their society and is based upon social characteristics deemed to be important by any given society” (4), such as gender, race, age, etc. These determining factors situate us within historical, cultural and social contexts, giving some individuals with the most “desirable” characteristics inequitable opportunities. Based on our characteristics, we are assigned certain privileges, power, social roles and rules, which influence our identity and how we view the world (4). Throughout our lives, we must recognize our social locations, and how it affects our privileges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/62f4e0da-49e7-4631-9b56-cdb675ec9338/Allyship+%285%29.png Allyship - Performative Allyship “Performative activism, also called “slacktivism”, is surface-level activism. It is when a person or an organization posts on social media about a current issue, but doesn’t follow through with meaningful action. In other words, showing solidarity online for social clout, but not genuinely supporting a cause” (11). In this section, we will offer some examples to help you deepen your understanding of allyship. This is important because allyship can be harmful if it is done without intent. For an anecdotal explanation of the potential harms of activism, listen to the podcast The Urgency of Now (12). Remember in May of 2021, when the unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children were found on the grounds of a residential school Kamloops? If you are unfamiliar with this discovery, here is a news article, “Grief, sorrow after discovery” (15). Think back and consider the messages that were posted on social media at that time. Now consider how authentic those messages were. Was changing a profile picture to an orange “Every Child Matters” logo enough? What was the intentionality behind sharing these posts? Was it for social clout? Was the person posting these stories an activist, taking part in change-making? When looking at stories such as this one, we need to examine them through a critical lens and ensure that we are asking these questions. Is this an example of performative allyship? Or authentic allyship? https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/accomplice daily 0.75 2022-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/5e63fb44-5060-41f4-ad07-cb18edf3e5d2/Accomplice+%281%29.png Accomplice - Moving from Ally to Accomplice While these two terms are often used interchangeably, a few distinct traits define an Accomplice. The term accomplice encompasses allyship but extends beyond to action and advocacy (2). Simply put, an ally will actively listen to marginalized voices, and an accomplice will take action to break down racist and white supremacist systems. An ally may work to make changes on an individual level; an accomplice will use their privilege to challenge existing conditions at the risk of their own comfort and well-being, and tackle racial injustices at an institutional level (2). Now, you may feel uncomfortable or concerned as the connotations with the word “ally” are traditionally positive, and the connotations with the word “accomplice” tend to be negative (3). However, looking through a historical lens, we recognize that many of the liberties marginalized group members have now did not exist in the past and required significant political disruption to initiate change (3). Disruption is not easy, nor is it polite. Being an accomplice does not necessarily result in physical harm; it does mean literally putting yourself in a position that indisputably communicates your stance on advocating alongside marginalized groups, or being “complicit in a struggle towards liberation” (3). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/03a1c5ac-bffe-461d-bcfa-067324c94e9c/first-nations-photographs-harry-pollard+%2826%29.jpg Accomplice - Racism and White Supremacy “White Supremacy is a historically based, institutionally perpetuated system of exploitation and oppression of continents, nations, and peoples of colour by white peoples and nations of the European continent, to maintain and defend a system of wealth, power, and privilege” (8). In the article, “Ideology of White Supremacy,” (9) white supremacy and racism are often thought of as a problem of personal prejudices, and individual acts of discrimination. In reality, it is a web of interlocking, and reinforcing institutions—political, economic, and social—and all of our systems. The roots of white supremacy in Canada lie in Euro-Canadians establishing economic exploitation over Indigenous peoples, specifically by stealing land. This exploitation was historically justified by racist ideologies and policies that affirmed the “inferiority” of Indigenous peoples which unfortunately persists today through systemic racism (8). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/ade2baa7-c336-40b2-a51f-9523eedabf8f/White+supremacy+%281%29.png Accomplice - Guilt Paralysis If you are new to discussions of systemic racism, discussing and reflecting on white supremacy may make you feel uncomfortable. Perhaps you are a non-white settler with strong ties to your Canadian heritage. Perhaps you identify as white (or have never hand to identify yourself as white), or you “do not see colour.” Perhaps you have been taught to believe the justification and intention (perceived inferiority of Indigenous people and culture) instead of questioning the motivation and impact (perceived supremacy of European people and culture). And perhaps, learning about Canada’s history of white supremacist ideologies, policies, and actions makes you feel as though you are being blamed for something that you had no part in creating. Feelings of guilt are often part of the process of understanding oppression and injustice, but they are temporary. Guilt is not an excuse to avoid taking action (14). For those who are part of the dominant group in society, guilt is rooted in privilege; paralysis by guilt functions to protect your social position and uphold oppression (14). The creation of white supremacy and racism is not personally your fault; we are all responsible for dismantling it and creating a better future. Sometimes, change can begin with just one person, one simple action. This is how one becomes a true accomplice. https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/decolonization daily 0.75 2022-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/a563aeff-9690-49e2-a2ae-746cbbc38254/Decolonization.png Decolonization & Indigenization - Decolonization from a Mount Royal Capstone Students Perspective Decolonization has been a heavy topic of discussion during our undergraduate degree program. Throughout our years of schooling, our definition of decolonization has shifted as our understanding of the impacts of colonialism has deepened. “Decolonization is about shifting the way Indigenous Peoples view themselves and the way non-Indigenous People view Indigenous Peoples” (1). The goal is ultimately to achieve Indigenous sovereignty through the reclaiming of their cultural, psychological, and economic freedoms (2). Our journey towards decolonization has taught us the importance of listening to Indigenous voices, creating a space where Indigenous people can reclaim their worldviews, their languages, their ideas about culture and community, and the importance of recognizing Western worldviews and working to dismantle them. Decolonization is not Indigenization. Decolonization is not about reverting back to Indigenous traditions and ways of learning, it is about changemaking. The purpose of decolonization is to find an ethical space where western and Indigenous cultures can co-exist with shared values. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/3cef7443-d097-4b92-88e2-fb7fccd83ca8/Decolonization+%281%29.png Decolonization & Indigenization - Decolonization from WilderFutures Perspective Decolonization is a complex term used to describe the dismantling and rejection of colonial practices. Before working towards decolonization, we must first understand what it means to colonize or be colonized. Eurocentric views are deeply rooted in North American society and reflected in our everyday practices, policies, and larger political structures. It takes time, effort and critical thinking to recognize these colonial systems and understand how they disadvantage some while simultaneously providing unearned privilege to others. We start disrupting colonialism only when we begin to ‘check-in’ with ourselves, rethink our assumptions and become curious about our worldviews. Some areas where our team has recognized our colonial practices and sought to make a change: Our board structure is now circular rather than hierarchical. We identify our pronouns, social location, and relationship to the land before our job title when introducing ourselves. We have diversified our bookshelves. We practice decentring knowledge and work more collaboratively as a team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/35d38000-ccbf-44ef-b769-5440e5154d01/Edgwalking+%281%29.png Decolonization & Indigenization - What is Edgewalking? Jessica Bolduc is an Anishinabe kwe from the Batchewana First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, traditionally known as Baawaating (5). Bolduc explains that edgewalkers are a group of leaders that have no patience for the status quo, and have a hunger to contribute to a better world (4). These people have learned from Canada’s dark past, and use their Indigenous knowledge and worldviews in collaboration with their knowledge of modern systems to shape future possibilities that benefit Indigenous Peoples. Edgewalkers are “actively involved in the process of rebuilding our economy and society to be more intentional, inclusive and inspired” (4). For a more detailed explanation, please watch Edgewalkers | Jessica Bolduc | Walrus Talks (4). In short, “edgewalkers are people who walk between worlds and have the ability to build bridges between different worlds” (6). https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/reconciliation daily 0.75 2022-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/3eaf8b17-0dc8-4fc5-beea-878369ee52a8/first-nations-photographs-harry-pollard+%2824%29.jpg Reconiliaction & Action - Situating Activity Before beginning this section of the toolkit, we would like to introduce you to a mindfulness activity intended to situate yourself. Two Mount Royal University students, Kiana Amiot and Gemma Bayne, created this activity to bring awareness to the strides that Canada has made towards Reconciliation. The TRC Calls to Action, introduced in 2015, aims to address the ongoing impact of residential schools on survivors and their families (1). They additionally provide a path for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to create a joint vision of reconciliation. Prior to viewing the activity, in your journal please consider the following. What do you know about the 94 Calls to Action? Which Calls to Action are you confident have been completed? If you have no idea, why do you think that is? How can that be resolved? Successful completion is achieved when the Call is completed nationwide, not just in 1 province. Try to think on a federal level. We would like to remind you that this activity is not a test of your knowledge about the TRC’s Calls to Action; it serves to promote awareness. This activity is also not meant to assign blame or guilt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/f1d4fd70-cb0e-4c7a-9352-4e49f075bc1f/Reconciliation.png Reconiliaction & Action - Your Role in Reconciliation The TRC’s Calls to Action and UNDRIP are critical in ensuring that Canada remains accountable for promoting the overall wellness of Indigenous people. In turn, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can work towards Reconciliation. Below we have outlined several ways to take action on your own. We encourage you to dive deeply into the resources listed below and examine which actionables apply directly to you (some may not). We encourage you to do your own research and find out what steps your communities have taken to work towards reconciliation, and how you can get involved. Again, this is an ongoing process, and it does not end here. While you read through these resources, write down the ones that you can further explore in your journal. Write down any questions you have and thoughts that come to mind as you read. When you are done, think of one more step that you can take, that isn’t listed in the resources below. https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/alliedfutures-project daily 0.75 2022-02-22 https://www.alliedfuturesproject.com/alliedfutures-project/p/alliedfutures-project-yyc monthly 0.5 2022-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61c0c0c40502384c3246b0d1/1650311450190-YBNOZ501XK5GMC1WKKCB/AFP%2B%2B%281%29.png Register Now - alliedFutures Project: A journey from Truth to Reconciliation and beyond!