Land Acknowledgment & Calls to Action Commitment
CCS is committed to the ongoing listening and learning of the Indigenous history and the colonization of our community, region, and country. We are committed to actively participating in the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. We are committed to our role as a nonprofit organization—distinct from, yet working in close collaboration with government agencies—to support the advancement and successful implementation of the following Calls to Action.
Call to Action
Our Action Plan
3. We call upon all levels of government to fully implement Jordan’s Principle.
Reduce barriers for First Nations children to accessing our services by reviewing our intake processes of programs and adjusting accordingly, by consulting with our neighbouring First Nations communities on a regular basis and identifying the needs of these communities’ children and youth. Advocate for more Indigenous-led initiatives with our funders, within the scope of our services.
CCS is committed to the “Every Door is the Right Door” philosophy, ensuring that every client receives support in navigating services. When we cannot directly meet a client’s needs, we take responsibility for connecting them to the appropriate services. This approach is directly tied to Jordan’s Principle, emphasizing the importance of seamless navigation and equitable access to the right supports without barriers or delays.
5. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate parenting programs for Aboriginal families.
Review current parenting programs in consultation with Indigenous communities to incorporate cultural learnings and practices in a sensitive and appropriate way, to engage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous parents in understanding Indigenous culture and parenting. Invite Elders and Indigenous community members to share experiences and culture within the program. Advocate for more Indigenous-led initiatives with our funders, within the scope of our services.
12. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate early childhood education programs for Aboriginal families.
Review current early years programs in consultation with Indigenous communities to incorporate cultural learnings and practices for Indigenous families. Invite Elders and Indigenous community members to share experiences and culture within the program. Advocate for more Indigenous-led initiatives with our funders, within the scope of our services.
43. We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation.
Work with Indigenous communities to ensure their voice is heard in as many decision-making areas of the work CCS does as possible. Invite Elders and Indigenous community members to conversations regarding program development, implementation and internal policy.
57. We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
Participate in, and provide where possible, education and training to staff and partners regarding the history and experiences of Indigenous peoples, Indigenous law, relations with government and human rights. Work with and invite Indigenous-led trainers to provide experience and feedback to staff and partners. Advocate to funders for more funding for Indigenous-led initiatives and training opportunities.
66. We call upon the federal government to establish multiyear funding for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation, and establish a national network to share information and best practices.
Work with the federal government partners and neighbouring Indigenous communities to identify the needs of Indigenous youth and the best way to offer programs on reconciliation and Indigenous culture and history. Advocate to funders for more Indigenous-led funding for youth programming.
93. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with the national Aboriginal organizations, to revise the information kit for newcomers to Canada and its citizenship test to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including information about the Treaties and the history of residential schools.
Work with the government partners and neighbouring Indigenous communities to update newcomer information kits to reflect a more inclusive history of Indigenous experience in Canada. Work with Indigenous communities and government to update the citizenship test, and therefore education in preparing for the test, for newcomer support staff and teachers.
An ongoing commitment we hold is acknowledging the traditional unceded land our staff and programs live, work, learn, and play upon. We have included the following land acknowledgement in staff email signature blocks and at the beginning of all internal staff meetings.
Chilliwack Community Services acknowledges those who have lived on and cared for the land from time immemorial. We are deeply honoured to live, work, learn, and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Stó:lō Coast Salish peoples.
We understand that land acknowledgements are an important initial step in the broader journey of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Inspired by the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, this practice helps Canadians honor and respect Indigenous peoples’ inherent connection to the land. It serves as a foundation for changing the way we perceive and discuss the land.
As land acknowledgements should always be done with Indigenous consultation, Chilliwack Community Services would like to thank our First Nations neighbours that helped us develop an inclusive land acknowledgement, including representatives from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and the Pelohxw Tribe.
You can view a traditional territory, language and treaties map created by Native Land Digital, a registered Canadian non-for-profit organization. You can use the map by entering your address or navigating and clocking around on the map.
Map link: Native Land Digital
