Connecting Communities: CultureLink Launches ON Indigenous Land Project

Toronto, ON – April 11, 2024 – Last year, Jully Black’s rendition of “…our home ON Native land” at the NBA All-Stars game in downtown Toronto resonated across the nation, calling attention to the historical theft of Indigenous land. In that moment, a powerful connection was forged between racialized communities and Indigenous peoples, highlighting the urgent need for more work to be done towards reconciliation.

However, as we reflect on the progress made toward reconciliation, the reality remains evident: Nearly a decade after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls-to-action were issued, only 13 out of the 94 have been completed, leaving much work ahead to address systemic injustices.

In response to this ongoing need, CultureLink is proud to announce the approval of our ON Indigenous Land Project through the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program within the Department of Canadian Heritage. This project aims to foster meaningful relationships between youth from racialized communities and Indigenous peoples.

The ON Indigenous Land Project will engage youth in three core activities: training, community mobilization, and knowledge sharing. Through these initiatives, participants will become leaders in their communities, bridging racialized communities with Indigenous peoples and offering steadfast support to First Nations.

“Our goal is to empower youth to become allies in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation,” says Minerva Hui, Program and Services Manager at CultureLink. “By acknowledging the past and working together towards a more equitable future, we build stronger, more inclusive communities.”

UPDATE – May 15, 2024 – We are now recruiting participants! Please visit the ON Indigenous Land Project to register

For more information, please contact:

Femi Lawson
Manager, ON Indigenous Land Project
CultureLink
647-624-4870
flawson@culturelink.ca

CultureLink is a Not-for-Profit Charity settlement and community organization with over 35 years of experience in developing and delivering services tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities. Committed to innovation, we continuously adapt to changes and develop new programs to effectively respond to and address the unique needs of our clients. Our mission is to inspire newcomers and their communities through innovative programming that promotes wellbeing, elevates skills, and fosters community connections and a sense of belonging.