We know that Indigenous Nations and communities are grieving. Although genuine action is required to truly reconcile our past, we as a nation continually fail to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and to the Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
These losses are a reminder of the atrocities that Indigenous Peoples have experienced, and the inter-generational trauma that continues today. As an organization that counts Indigenous artists among our board, staff, members, partners, and collaborators, we call on the federal government to carry out the Calls to Action without further delay.
CARFAC aims to serve all visual artists from coast to coast to coast, and our work involves advocating for the rights of artists at all levels of government. We are committed to advocating for policy that strongly positions the rights and freedoms of Indigenous Peoples, and for public funding programs that are intended to improve representation and autonomy for Indigenous artists.
In turn, we call on all artists and cultural leaders to confront our terrible history, to read and respond to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Calls to Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Contact your MP and encourage them to support the Calls.
Those of us who are settlers in this country cannot know the pain that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples have dealt with, but we promise to support your voices, and stand beside you.
Support for Residential School Survivors and their Families:
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness, 24/7 Help Line: 1 (855) 242-3310 Phone and chat support is available in English and French. On request, phone support is also available in Cree, Ojibway, or Inuktitut.
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society: Toll free line: 1 (800) 721-0066, 24-hour crisis line for residential school survivors: 1 (866) 925-4419
- Alberta: 1 (888) 495-6588
- British Columbia: 1 (877) 477-0775
- Territories: 1 (800) 464-8106
- Manitoba: 1 (866) 818-3505
- Saskatchewan: 1 (866) 250-1529
- Ontario: 1 (888) 301-6426
- Quebec: 1 (877) 583-2965
- Atlantic Provinces: 1 (866) 414-8111
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 Available 24/7 in English and French
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text a crisis responder at 686868 Available 24/7 in English and French
Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266