Statement of Reconciliation

Parent Support Services Society of BC (PSS) endorses and adopts the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. PSS acknowledges that Indigenous children, youth, and their families have much to contribute to the world as empowered individuals with a profound understanding of their Indigenous identity, cultural heritage, sustainable living, and connection to their lands and territories. At the same time, many Indigenous youth face immense challenges as a result of the intergenerational effects of colonization and assimilation policies, as well as the continued struggles to ensure their rights and identity as Indigenous peoples.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) protects the rights of Indigenous children and youth. Article 21 and 22 of the Declaration calls for particular attention to Indigenous children and youth, when implementing the UN Declaration – and when taking measures to improve the economic and social conditions of Indigenous peoples. Further, the Declaration gives the right to live in freedom, peace and security including protecting children from being removed from their group by force (Article 7.2), the right to all levels of education without discrimination (Article 14.2), the right to be protected from economic exploitation or hazardous work and the right to be protected for violence and discrimination (Article 22.2).

PSS affirms that every reasonable effort must be made to provide culturally safe services to the
Indigenous communities we serve. We will strive to implement the principles of UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action in our work. When connecting with Indigenous communities, we agree:

To acknowledge that Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect, and develop their heritage
To provide services that are equipped to support the unique needs of Indigenous families
To prioritize Indigenous staff/volunteers/Board recruitments (with Indigenous community input and support)
To provide education and training whenever possible for all PSS staff and volunteers on
Indigenous rights, history, treaties, and the legacy of residential schools
To invite Indigenous people to participate in projects and initiatives and to make every reasonable effort to hire and train Indigenous people at all levels of the organization
To develop and nurture collaborations and partnerships with Aboriginal agencies/community groups
To educate Indigenous peoples, developers, and the general public about the importance and results of our work in a timely manner, in close consultation with Indigenous communities of relevance
To encourage all levels of government to consult with Indigenous communities and organizations to amend policies and legislation so that Indigenous rights to family wellbeing are consistent with the principles of UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action.

from Parent Support Services Society of BC’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025