Reconciliation At Right To Play

In the east, in what is now known as the province of Ontario, Right To Play’s Headquarters is located on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca and the Mississaugas of the Credit. This territory is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee, the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the lands and resources around the Great Lakes. More recently, Treaty 13, an agreement between the Crown and the Mississauga’s of the Credit, covers the city of Toronto. These treaties recognize a living-relationship between nations and peoples that now call this land home, including the many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis from across Turtle Island.

In the west, in what is now known as the province of British Columbia, Right To Play has an office on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Watuth) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations of the Coast Salish peoples. We honour the voices and friendship of these nations, and hold our hands up in thanks to the original peoples of this territory of which we live, work and play.

As an organization, we honour the voices and seek to nurture the friendships we hold with Indigenous communities. We strive to empower and protect children and youth against adversity through our play-based approaches. We work in partnership with communities to support the healthy development of the next generation through the power of play.

Right To Play acknowledges the historical legacies of colonization in Canada and the ways in which these colonial systems continue to impact Indigenous peoples today. In order to better serve and amplify the voices of Indigenous communities within Canada, the organization commits to,

• Enhance the knowledge of colonialism for Right To Play HQ employees by learning about the historical legacies and contemporary realities, and identify ways to respond that promote deeper learning;
• Support employees at Right To Play HQ in creating personal and professional commitments in learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls To Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
• Create pathways of consultation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples to ensure Indigenous voices are present at all levels within the organization, including an Indigenous Advisory Circle
• Increase culturally relevant supports and accommodations for Indigenous employees of Right To Play to engage in cultural practices within the workplace.

Through this commitment, we strive to demonstrate and embody these practices that align with our values on education and understanding, cultural humility, and inclusion. Right To Play’s Mission is to protect, educate and empower children and youth to rise above adversity. In our commitment to Indigenous children and youth, we strive to enhance access to education, build peaceful communities, ensure adequate child protection, promote health and well-being, and develop responsive practices on gender equality.

As an ally organization, Right To Play International recognizes and affirms the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People, particularly Article 3 which states that Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. This recognition underscores all of the work the organization does in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada. Right To Play also recognizes and affirms the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls To Action, and are working closely with community partners to determine which of those calls the organization is most equipped to respond to.

Moreover, Right To Play acknowledges the historical legacies of colonization in Canada and the ways in which these colonial systems continue to impact Indigenous peoples today. As such, the voices of community partners, consultants, child and youth participants, Indigenous Advisory Circle members, as well as the recommendations of TRC, UNDRIP and MMIWG guide the organization in its work.

The path toward truth and reconciliation is the responsibility of all Canadians, and Right To Play is committed to the climb.

To learn more about Right To Play’s work with Indigenous partners, please visit our Canada Programs website.