Learning Community on Reconciliation

First convened in October 2019, CWLC's Learning Community on Reconciliation is rallying with the understanding that implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC’s) Calls to Action is happening at a slow pace. As of December 2021, the Yellowhead Institute reports that 11 of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action have been met, with 0 of 5 complete in the area of child welfare. If reconciliation in Canada is to advance, non-Indigenous peoples must make strides in contributing meaningful work. With this purpose in mind, CWLC’s initiative is creating opportunities for mainstream children, youth and family-serving organizations to:​

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• Strengthen their ability to work creatively, respectfully and collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

• Reflect on their practice, learn from peers and experts and prototype and evaluate reconciliation initiatives.

• Operationalize the TRC’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in their organization.

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The community is made up of over 30 organizations from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with a cross-cutting focus on child welfare, housing, health and youth justice. Its work is guided by CWLC’s Indigenous Child and Family Committee, Algonquin Traditional Teacher Albert Dumont and Indigenous youth, including young people with lived experience in child welfare. If you are interested in learning more, please email info@cwlc.ca. To donate to the Learning Community, visit our CanadaHelps page.

Members of the Learning Community on Reconciliation

Members of CWLC’s Indigenous Child and Family Committee

• Tara Petti (Chair), Professional Services

• Rhonda Barraclough, Executive Director, ALIGN Association of Community Services

• Nicole McFadyen, Consultant, Practice and Policy, ALIGN Association of Community Services

• Jeff Schiffer, President & CEO, Thrive Youth Development Canada

• Bernadette Spence, CEO, Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society

• Raymond Shingoose, Executive Director, Yorkton Tribal Council Child and Family Services

• Maryanne Uluadluak, Regional Manager, Family Wellness, Government of Nunavut

Proudly Supported By:

Sincere thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring the creation of an Indigenous youth-led evaluation:

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