Today, September 30, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the survivors of residential schools and remember the children who never returned home. This day calls us to reflect, to learn, to listen, and to take action — socially, politically, and environmentally.

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and honours the survivors of residential schools, and the children who did not return home, as well as their families and communities. This day serves as a reminder and underscores the importance of reflection, learning, listening and action, socially, politically, and environmentally. 

Indigenous knowledge is critical to Canada’s conservation and biodiversity recovery

Reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Metis governments, nations, and peoples is tied intimately to the reconciliation of personal, ecological, social and economic imperatives that are essential for Canada to successfully respond to evolving global climate crises and critical decline of biodiversity. Indigenous communities have been leaders in ecosystem conservation, as stewards and care takers of the lands and waters in what is now known as Canada, since time immemorial. Indigenous knowledge and teachings present unique and crucial perspectives for improving and protecting the natural world around us before it is too late. Despite their rich multigenerational knowledge of the land – which has been used to identify and adapt to the negative effects of climate change in ways that would have not been otherwise possible – Indigenous communities remain one of the most sensitive and impacted by the effects of climate change. 

Indigenous leadership is critical to achieving national and international biodiversity and conservation goals such as Canada’s 30×30 commitment to conserve 30% of lands and oceans across the country by 2030. This recognition is also a central theme of our Biodiversity Action Agenda for decision makers, calling for new forms of community engagement and integrated planning to be implemented. New models of collaborative leadership rather than competitive elected electioneering are urgently needed for tangible change to close the knowledge-to-action gaps. If such changes are not taken, the acceleration of human use and misuse of lands and water will continue at the expense of nature, cultural diversity and biodiversity.

What can we do? 

Reconciliation is about everyday choices and actions, not just on September 30. Action starts with education, so before we can act, we must first learn and listen. 

Indigenous history begins before Canada. Learning about the history between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples acknowledges how much of Canada’s history erases and minimizes generations of Indigenous communities and experiences. This imbalance and injustice is still evident today in current policies and political frameworks that reinforce western colonial points of view, thus advocacy for and support of policies that recognize Indigenous land rights and traditional ecological knowledge is substantial. 

Next, listen. Listening is more than simply hearing words. It is about active and sustained engagement and education. Media has never been more accessible. We can make active efforts to support Indigenous content creators and listen and amplify Indigenous voices by supporting Indigenous tv shows and movies, podcasts and novels. 

Finally, we can make active efforts that support Indigenous organizations and businesses. Many Indigenous organizations lead conservation projects to protect ecosystems such as forests, waters, and other critical wildlife habitats. We can contribute directly to reconciliation and environmental stewardship by volunteering, donating, or promoting their work. 

Support for Indigenous artists, designers, jewellers, restaurants, and other business owners is also a great way to show solidarity. The Government of Canada has an Indigenous Business Directory where you can search by location to find Indigenous businesses. (For those in or near Vancouver, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my favourite local restaurants: Salmon n’ Bannock, an Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant, which serves delicious local and traditional flavours). 

Remember, Reflect, Reconcile. 

Reconciliation is about building a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect and partnership. The idea of reconciliation, though heavy and daunting, asks us to acknowledge painful truths and injustices. But I like to remind myself that moving forward begins with something quite simple and accessible: education. Listening to Indigenous stories, and making active efforts each and everyday to be open to different ways of knowing and seeing the world and learn from diverse perspectives to understand connections between people, culture, wildlife, and land. It is through learning that we can find the ability to remember, reflect, reconcile and lead collaboratively. 

I acknowledge with respect and gratitude that I am able to live, work, and write on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I recognize the enduring relationship these Nations have with this land, and I honour their stewardship of the land, waters, and biodiversity since time immemorial.

This visual brings together symbols of the 3 Indigenous groups across Canada: the eagle for First Nations, the narwhal for Inuit, and the beaded flower for the Métis. It centers on unity, healing, and reflection: the circle symbolizes the interconnectedness of communities and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation; the pathway represents the steps we must take together; the stars remind us of the children lost; and the orange colour signifies truth-telling and healing. (Original artwork provided by the Government of Canada, edited and adapted by Sabrina Careri)

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