An Inclusive Future for All
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani; the Tsuut’ina Nation, The Iyaxe Nakoda Nations of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley; and the Metis Nation of Alberta Region 3 and all other Indigenous communities that make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
We all come from different backgrounds. What we have in common is the organization we work for. At Wee Wild Ones we honour the history of this land and that the impact of colonialism is still relevant today. We work towards reconciliation through sustainable practices, using limited materials and trying to minimize waste. We foster social responsibility in our classrooms, through discussion and acknowledgement and the role each of us play in caring for each other and the land.
We are willing to change when it is needed and approach conversations with love and humility. We recognize that Indigenous communities have values and practices that can be a critical part of the solution for the environmental issues we currently face. We are grateful to be here on Treaty 7.
Together, we all have a role in reconciliation and do not take this role lightly.
Our Commitment
Wee Wild Ones is committed to investing our minds, hearts and hands to the restoration, repair and growth of the relationship between Indigenous and all peoples in Canada.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action serve as guidelines for Wee Wild Ones in taking ownership over our commitment to drive change, elevate childcare and move forward in the journey toward Reconciliation.
We will build inclusive environments through WWO leadership decisions and policy making, employee training, classroom experiences for the children in our care, and by building relationships with Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led organizations in Treaty 7 territory. Our intention is to build meaningful relationships, be a voice, and empower organizations while respecting ethical space.
Four Major Areas in which we will Take Action
Business for Reconciliation
We commit to meaningful consultation, and building respectful relationships.
We will ensure equitable job access, training and educational opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
Team for Reconciliation
We will provide education for all Wee Wild Ones employees on the history of Indigenous peoples, including, the history of residential schools, Treaties and Land Rights, Indigenous Ways of Knowing and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
We will collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders to educate teachers on how to appropriately weave Indigenous knowledge with teaching methods in the classroom.
We will share information and best practices on teaching curriculum related to residential schools and Indigenous history.
We will identify teacher training needs as related to any of the above and we will provide Wee Wild Ones team members with skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.
Classrooms for Reconciliation
We will implement culturally appropriate, inclusive curricula for all children.
We will implement age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Indigenous Peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada.
We will honour and uphold Indigenous languages and teach Indigenous languages when appropriate and accessible.
Guided by the wisdom of local Indigenous communities, we will build student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect.
Love & Voice for Reconciliation
We will lead with love, ownership, connection, intention and growth.
We will actively seek to shift the Wee Wild Ones culture, guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
We will stand up and use our voice to affect change when appropriate or desired.
We will develop future critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders of the world.