Truth and Reconciliation Statement

Our Commitment to Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation

We acknowledge the traditional and ancestral territories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. We are grateful to work on these lands and commit to ongoing education, allyship, and action.

 

For over 60 years, the Award has partnered with Indigenous communities across Canada, offering a framework that supports youth development and empowerment. We recognize that reconciliation is a continuous journey, and we are committed to walking this path with humility, respect, and action.

 

We acknowledge that our name is linked to perceptions and issues of colonialism. Our Founder Prince Philip’s vision for the Award was that all young people regardless of background or life circumstance can participate and be given the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. This vision remains true today and we are committed to ensuring that the Award Framework can be used to complement the work of Truth and Reconciliation by supporting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people.

 

We will continue to:

  • Remove barriers to participation for Indigenous youth.

  • Foster relationships with Indigenous communities.

  • Work alongside Indigenous communities and schools to build meaningful partnerships and co-develop opportunities that respond to local needs.

We are guided by the following Truth and Reconciliation calls to action:

  • Distinctions-Based Approach: We honour the unique histories, cultures, and rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

  • UNDRIP Alignment: We support and promote the full adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by all levels of government as the foundation for reconciliation

  • Cultural Safety: We strive to create culturally safe spaces for Indigenous staff, volunteers, and youth.

Our Actions:

  • Education & Awareness: We offer learning opportunities for staff, and mentors to deepen understanding of Indigenous histories, treaties, and intergenerational trauma (TRC Calls to Action 57, 62i, 92iii). These efforts include skills-based training in intercultural competency, anti-racism, and human rights, and support the integration of Indigenous knowledge into educational practices.”

  • Community Partnerships: We build sustained, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities to co-create accessible and culturally relevant programming (TRC Call to Action 66).

  • September 30th Recognition: We honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through dedicated learning and reflection (TRC Call to Action 80).

Engage in Self-Discovery

We encourage all our stakeholders to connect with Truth and Reconciliation calls to action  and better understand your place in relation to Reconciliation.