Monday, September 30, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to listen, learn, and reflect on the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, while committing to action for reconciliation. CultureLink’s offices and service delivery sites across the GTA are located on lands of deep significance to Indigenous peoples, including the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinaabe. Our Main Office, near High Park, Roncesvalles, and the Junction, is situated on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. These lands have long been a meeting place for Indigenous communities, facilitating trade, community gathering, and sustenance. High Park itself was once a key site for fishing and foraging, with black oak savannahs carefully maintained by the Anishinaabe through land stewardship practices that sustained the ecosystem for generations.
It is vital that we acknowledge these histories, particularly today, as we reflect on the ongoing impact of colonization and the significance of reconciliation. But reflection alone isn’t enough—we must also take steps toward meaningful change. As part of our ON Indigenous Land Project, our youth have developed a petition advocating for culturally appropriate early childhood education programs for Indigenous families. By supporting this petition, you can contribute to reconciliation and help shape a brighter future for Indigenous children. Let’s commit not just to remembering the past, but also to building a more equitable future together.
ON Indigenous Land
Culturelink’s ON Indigenous Land Project is a youth-led initiative, deeply rooted in fostering meaningful connections between youth from racialized communities and Indigenous Peoples. By collaborating with Indigenous leaders, facilitators, and artists like Blake Angeconeb, the youth participants of this project have united around a common goal: to honor the land, its history, and the people who first cared for it. Through arts, storytelling, and knowledge-sharing, they’ve explored vital themes like truth, reconciliation, and identity.
As part of this transformative journey, the youth are taking direct action to address a critical need in Indigenous communities—culturally appropriate early childhood education. This mission is grounded in the 12th Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, which urges all levels of government to develop educational programs that reflect and respect Indigenous cultures.
Why Early Childhood Education Matters
The youth developed the petition to highlight the urgent need for tailored early childhood education programs for Indigenous families. The petition calls on Employment and Social Development Canada to provide an updated National Progress Report on Early Learning and Childcare, which hasn’t been reviewed since August 2019. It also demands that all provinces and territories outline their specific commitments to Indigenous educational initiatives, ensuring transparency in both funding and action.
Better educational support and resources for Indigenous children are critical. Nearly half of Indigenous communities consist of youth under the age of 25, and yet, governments have been slow to prioritize their needs.
Standing Together for Change
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as we reflect on Canada’s history and the ongoing journey toward healing, we invite you to join us in taking concrete steps for the future of Indigenous children. The youth of the ON Indigenous Land Project are using their voices and energy to push for meaningful changes in early childhood education, and your support can amplify their call.
Sign the petition and help us hold governments accountable to their promises. Lets ensure that Indigenous children and families receive the culturally appropriate education they deserve, honoring the spirit of reconciliation. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future.