CITIES AND URBAN LIFE

GGR124
Department of Geography
University of Toronto

2018
INITIATIVE FOR INDIGENOUS FUTURES abtec.org
TODAY’S CLASS
1. Reconciliation and the City
2. Exam discussion
3. Course wrap-up
 TODAY’S QUESTIONS
• What does reconciliation mean for cities?
• How does the TRC relate to this course?
• What might your role be in building just and sustainable urban futures?

Ikere Jones, Lagos 2081

Reconciliation
‘A process of relationship building. Like the treaties, it has to be co-created,
reflected upon and acted upon continually to remain relevant and alive. The
potential exists for a new era of mutual respect but we each need to reflect upon
our relationships and responsibilities towards each other.’
- Professor Jean-Paul Restoule
Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commmission (TRC)
Newcomers to Canada
93. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration
with the national Aboriginal organizations, to revise the
information kit for newcomers to Canada and its citizenship
test to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse
Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including information about
the Treaties and the history of residential schools.

94. We call upon the Government of Canada to replace the

Oath of Citizenship with the following: I swear (or affirm) that I
will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and
that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including
Treaties with Indigenous Peoples, and fulfill my duties as a
Canadian citizen.
City of Reconciliation
“The impact of residential schools has left a legacy of tragic injustice, affecting
generation after generation of Aboriginal people. Canadians’ growing awareness of the
devastating effects of colonization and the residential schools, including racism,
poverty, and poor health outcomes, is the result of courageous and vocal residential
school survivors who have long advocated for this history to be told.”
“This report builds upon the accomplishments of the Year of Reconciliation and outlines a
proposed framework for Vancouver to become the world’s first City of Reconciliation. The
long term commitment will move forward the City’s continuing work on raising awareness,
creating partnerships, and addressing capacity for the betterment of the City of Vancouver,
focussing on the significant relations with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First
Nations, and with the urban Aboriginal community.”
- Framework for City of Reconciliation
City of Reconciliation
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1431715394/one-house-
many-nations-sustainable-homes-design-pr
“Our belief is by collaborating with a common purpose, and ensuring efforts
from the inside out, together we will pave a new way of living and working
together for present and future generations. Council’s long term vision of
building a City of Reconciliation is an inclusive approach to engage all citizens
to share our histories, cultures and understanding, to include our children and
future generations for a shared tomorrow.”
- Framework for City of Reconciliation, 2014