NAFC Commits to Reconciliation With a Renewed Focus on Aboriginal Youth

OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - June 02, 2015) - Today, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its findings and Calls to Action after six years of work with residential schools survivors. The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) welcomes the Commission’s findings and honours all survivors, and their families.

In order to support the process of reconciliation, the NAFC President Nelson Mayer, together with NAFC Youth Executive Andrea Andersen took the first step toward fulfilling a key recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“We are very pleased to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call to action and are doing our part,” said Andersen. “Today, the NAFC is making a formal commitment to working with other youth serving organizations and the Government of Canada to create substantive programs and acts of reconciliation for youth.“

Call to Action 66 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings calls upon the federal government to establish multi-year funding for community-based youth organizations to deliver programs on reconciliation, and establish a national network to share information and best practices.

“We’re acting now toward real reconciliation,” said Mayer. “The damage that occurred over seven generations at residential schools will not be undone in one lifetime; youth are vital to the reconciliation equation.”

As a first step, the NAFC is offering the collective strength of Friendship Centres to all parties to ensure that Aboriginal youth are central to reconciliation efforts in the years ahead. In answering this call to action, the NAFC extends the hand of friendship to all organizations that share our commitment. To initiate dialogue and chart a path forward, the NAFC is issuing a letter to Minister Valcourt of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to invite the federal government to join in our efforts.

“Friendship Centres are ready to host all youth serving organizations and play our part in reconciliation as envisioned by the TRC,” said Andersen.

“In addition, we welcome the call for the establishment of a National Council on Reconciliation, and welcome the opportunity to send a representative” said Mayer. “As one of the most effective urban Aboriginal service delivery mechanisms in the country, our movement is leading efforts towards reconciliation, we are confident in the strength and ability of our Centres to be a meaningful force for change.”