Advancing Reconciliation in the Settlement Sector: An Atlantic Perspective

This report explores how the settlement and integration sector is advancing truth and reconciliation, with particular focus on Atlantic Canada. It documents resources, training, events, and other initiatives that either build Indigenous-newcomer relations or help settlement service provider organizations (SPOs) incorporate reconciliation into their programs and services. Because reconciliation and relationship-building often occur within specific contexts, the analysis involved a scan of national and regional initiatives. It also included a survey of SPOs in the Atlantic provinces. The report contends that region- and sector-specific resources, especially those that increase organizational capacity and staff knowledge, can help Atlantic SPOs to advance truth and reconciliation.

Nationally, organizations approach reconciliation from various perspective and have produced diverse resources to support this work. SPOs address Indigenous-settler relations using reconciliation, reconcili-action, decolonization, and anti-racism frameworks. Many organizations have developed tools for both newcomers and sector professionals, which has resulted in videos, information guides, instructor’s guides, and online courses, among others. Despite having different approaches, resources typically centre Indigenous voices while stressing that newcomers and settlers are responsible for taking action.

Within Atlantic Canada, organizations are similarly committed to reconciliation but often rely on resources that were developed for other regions or sectors. SPOs have produced practical guides, information sessions, as well as activities/programs in collaboration with Indigenous partners. Due to an overall lack of appropriate resources, however, many also draw on training or resources from other contexts. Region-specific resources are necessary to reflect diverse peoples and experiences of place, as well as the socio-political dynamics of the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Sector-specific resources can further explore the unique encounters and conversations that emerge from Indigenous-newcomer relations.