2 minute read
A Lasting Legacy of Positive Action
A Lasting Legacy of Positive Action
In schools today, there is little mentioned about the amazing contributions Indigenous Peoples have made and continue to make to the fabric and foundation of our society. The history and information about residual trauma caused by Residential and Day Schools and the links to the current social and economic issues facing Indigenous Peoples are rarely taught in schools, which leads to generations of Canadians having no knowledge of this history, resulting in ongoing discrimination and racism.
The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) understands that to create a brighter future for everyone in Canada and make strides toward Reconciliation, we need to address this gap in public education. We need to have comprehensive curricula throughout schools that highlight the diversity of our people, our cultures, languages, traditions, and most importantly, our history, including the impacts of colonialism.
The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led organization that works to raise awareness about the history of the Residential and Day School System (R&DSS) and subsequent Sixties Scoop (SS) on seven generations of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities.
For over 21 years, the LHF has been working to address discrimination and injustices to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and foster Reconciliation among all in Canada. By educating Canadians about the rich histories of Indigenous Peoples and the subsequent pain and injustices inflicted on generations after contact, we can highlight the strength and resilience of Survivors. Even more, we can build respect, understanding, and empathy, inspiring meaningful connections and actions that work toward addressing racism and establishing hope and healing in Canada.
The LHF addresses this critical gap by offering a unique and comprehensive collection of exhibitions, workshops, training, podcasts, projects, and research reports for anyone and everyone to use to learn about Indigenous Peoples. The LHF provides curriculum resources for K-12 that emphasize Indigenous voices and explore First Nations, Inuit, and Métis experiences through comprehensive lesson plans, activity guides, and more for students.
Through workshops and training, the LHF teaches people how to become allies and empowers them to take positive action. The LHF fosters Reconciliation initiatives by teaching about Indigenous history and the links to ongoing societal issues.
LHF exhibitions are stand-alone, unique, museum-like experiences that include first-hand Indigenous Testimonies and the links to ongoing issues such as the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQTS+ individuals.
True Reconciliation requires consistent, positive, and informed action by everyone, from schools to workplaces, families and everyone in between. We may not be personally responsible for what happened in the past, but we have all benefited from what Indigenous Peoples have endured, and we can take action to end ongoing injustices.
For more information, go to: legacyofhope.ca or email us at: info@legacyofhope.ca
