Fircom Hosts Cultural Competency Training

Camp Fircom is on a journey of reconciliation with indigenous peoples. This week, Camp Fircom hosted a workshop on Squamish Cultural Competency led by Jackie Gonzales and Sempulyan Stewart Gonzales from the Ayas Men Men (Children & Family Services) of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.

This workshop was an opportunity to learn more about the Squamish people, their history, their lands, and their truth. We invited the other camps who are on Squamish lands to join us as we all seek to be in right relationship with indigenous peoples.

The Truth & Reconciliation Commission that wrapped up in 2015 and listed 94 Calls to Action for Canadians. One of the consistent actions called for across sectors was to,

"Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism."

All camps are called to be a part of truth and reconciliation. We cherish your support on this journey together as we learn from the people whose land our camps are on.