12 Calls to Action on the Journey to Reconciliation
MPL has recently adopted the 12 Calls to Action based on the “A Journey to ReconciliAction” report released by the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic. This report looks at the recommendations within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which must be undertaken by organizations at a local level to provide actions for concrete change within their community.
With the support of NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Lyndon George — Anishnaabe Ojokwe) of Hamilton Community Legal Clinic and Grandmother’s Voice, MPL has taken steps to identify these 12 Calls to Action:
Milton Public Library: 12 Calls to Action
1. Adopt the TRC and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as its reconciliation framework
2. Provide written public materials in Indigenous languages
3. Update the phone system to include Indigenous language learning snippets while on hold
4. Support Indigenous patrons and staff to identify themselves in their traditional name
5. Ensure training on Indigeneity for all staff and Board members
6. Advertise job postings through Indigenous networks, spaces, and organizations
7. Encourage Indigenous applicants to apply for all job postings
8. Create a flexible interview process focused on assessing Indigenous person’s qualifications in a culturally competent manner
9. Review Collective Agreement and Policy to ensure they reflect the Indigenous family structure, cultural practice, connection to land, community, culture, and self
10. Ensure full acceptance of sick notes from traditional healers
11. Ensure flexibility with regards to bereavement leave for Indigenous staff
12. Recognize and support National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21st
These 12 Calls to Action are just the first in many steps that MPL will take to build lasting reconciliation, healing, and cooperative relations with the Indigenous communities of Milton. Updates will be shared on our continued work toward reconciliation with our valued partners.
Message from Chief Diversity Officer
“Before we can reconcile, we must centre the truth. For too long, a failure to centre the truth has resulted in numerous acts of reconciliation that fail, fizzle out, and often result in more harm done. The truth is this – First People are Beautiful People. This truth must be experienced first hand and this truth must be shared with everyone.
The 12 calls to action from the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic brings Milton Public Library one step closer to walking the talk of Truth and Reconciliation. The report is entitled “A Journey to ReconciliAction.” The report does not condone nor adopt pan-Indigenous approaches to First People. This report primarily focuses on laws and traditions from the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Metis communities which we serve.
The report is an opportunity to reflect on organizational structure, service, community and projects at Milton Public Library. More than a checklist, this report lays the foundation for reconciliation with a particular emphasis on the Indigenization of space, policy and procedure as well as people at MPL.”
– Lakhdeep Dhaliwal
