Last Thursday marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the survivors of the residential school system, their families, and communities.
Included in the The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report are specific calls to action for media.
Pamela Steel, the managing editor for Metroland’s Muskoka, Almaguin, Parry Sound and North Bay newspapers and websites – and chair of the company’s Indigenous Awareness and Action committee – wrote an article last week that helped launch a new trust initiative.
Specifically, she writes, the organization has committed to improving its work on three of the Commission’s calls to action.
For example, on Action 84, they have committed to work toward being properly reflective of the diverse cultures, languages and perspectives of Aboriginal Peoples by increasing relevant news coverage on issues of concern to Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians, including the history and legacy of residential schools and the reconciliation process.
On Action 85, Metroland titles will seek to inform and educate the Canadian public, and work to connect Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. With newsrooms across Ontario, we are uniquely positioned to do this work.
On Action 86, the organization has committed to educating Metroland journalists on the history of Aboriginal Peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations.
You can read the full piece here.
