Reading 5: Responsibility, Reconciliation, and Systems

1. Think about where you currently live, study, or grew up. After learning that these places are located on treaty land, how does this change—or not change—your understanding of your relationship to that place?

One of the very first things I learned once I arrived in Winnipeg was that I live and study on Treaty 1 territory. Before this reading, I never paid much attention as to what that actually meant however now there has been a significant change on how I understand my relationship to the place around me. I always thought that land was simple a physical space but this reading showed me that treaties are living agreements that still shape relationships to this day.

Now, I don't see myself as person that just occupies land but as someone that is part of a larger relationship of responsibility and respect. I'm more aware that many of the opportunities I benefit from exists within a system that has disadvantaged Indigenous communities. This shift in perspective and better understanding has made me be more critical on reconciliation efforts and my part in it.

2. What do you think a meaningful response to a land acknowledgement might look like for individuals, organizations, or businesses?

A land acknowledgement is something most Canadians have heard many times, however simply listening to the words is not enough.

The reading says that land acknowledgements are meant to remind us of ongoing responsibilities and not just historical facts. As an individual, I think it is important to educate ourselves about Indigenous history. This could be by talking to Indigenous elders or attending cultural events. One of my closest friends did her masters thesis on Indigenous culture and most of my knowledge about Indigenous culture is from her. 

In my opinion, we can only have a real impact if we align our actions with the values being acknowledged.

3. Before reading this section, how did you understand the difference between individual prejudice and systemic racism? Has your understanding changed?

Initially I always thought that racism was based on individual actions and/or personal bias. After this reading, I feel that I have a much broader understanding and recognize that systemic racism operates on much larger scale than the individual person.

Systemic racism involves policies and systems that create unequal outcomes even if there's no intent to do so. This suggests that systemic racism is almost on a subconscious level and that individuals may believe that they are acting fairly when in reality they are not. This reading has made me realize that we need to focus more on structural change before trying to address racism at an individual level.

4. Can you identify any policies or practices that might unintentionally advantage some groups while disadvantaging others?

I can think of two situations where common practices unintentionally create inequality. For example, unpaid internships may exclude people that cannot afford to work without any income. Not only does this exclude this people from this particular job but the person that can manage to do an unpaid internship will be a better candidate on paper for future jobs as opposed to the candidate who couldn't afford it. Another example is when hiring processes rely heavily on personal networks and relationships. This process would exclude those that don't have such a network or a personal relationship with the company.