Commitment to Decolonization
The CanAsian Arts Network recognizes and pays respect to the original people of this Land. Out of respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, it is our collective responsibility to critically interrogate colonial histories and their present-day implications. We therefore work from the perspective of honouring, protecting and sustaining the Land and the people who were first on this territory to move beyond acknowledgment and into the doing.
Similarly, we recognize the impact of colonial history and structures on our own communities and of those of other people of colour. We extend a hand in partnership to those who wish to move beyond allyship to become an accomplice in dismantling them.
We call upon our fellow CanAsian community members to unpack and overcome the challenges of building new futures in Canada. We are committed to social justice and recognize differing perspectives across identity, region, generation, discipline, culture, and role in the arts.
The CanAsian Arts Network is committed to upholding Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada believes that for Canada to flourish in the 21st century, reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples follows a number of principles. These are principles to which the CanAsian Arts Network adheres. Our approach is to always be mindful of the fact that we are uninvited guests on this territory. We aim to minimize harm to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. As a collective of Canadian artists of Asian origin, we are committed to educating ourselves about decolonization and to upholding the TRC’s principles and 94 Calls to Action as a way of moving forward in a positive, healthy and constructive way with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. We seek ways to better our own understanding, to build bridges and to encourage collaboration between our numerous and diverse communities. The CanAsian Arts Network has been developed with counsel from Miranda Jimmy, a First Nations consultant and decolonization specialist. It remains a work in progress.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada reports10 Principles for Reconciliation
Principle 1
The UNs' "Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" provides the framework for reconciliation at all levels and across all sectors of Canadian society.
Principle 2
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, as the original peoples of this country and as self-determining peoples, have Treaty, constitutional, and human rights that must be recognized and respected.
Principle 3
Reconciliation is a process of healing of relationships that requires public truth sharing, apology, and commemoration that acknowledge and redress past harms.
Principle 4
Reconciliation requires constructive action on addressing the ongoing legacies of colonialism that have had destructive impacts on Indigenous peoples’ education, cultures and languages, health, child welfare, the administration of justice, and economic opportunities and prosperity.
Principle 5
Reconciliation must create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing the gaps in social, health, and economic outcomes that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Principle 6
All Canadians, as Treaty peoples, share responsibility for establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships.
Principle 7
The perspectives and understandings of Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge-Keepers about the ethics, concepts, and practices of reconciliation are vital to long-term reconciliation.
Principle 8
Supporting Indigenous peoples’ cultural revitalization and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, oral histories, laws, protocols, and connections to the land into the reconciliation process are essential.
Principle 9
Reconciliation requires political will, joint leadership, trust-building, accountability, and transparency, as well as a substantial investment of resources.
Principle 10
Reconciliation requires sustained public education and dialogue, including youth engagement, about the history and legacy of residential schools, Treaties, and Indigenous rights, as well as the historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian society.