215 Little Voices Poem by Mr. Gordon Coyle

“215 Little Voices”

Whispering ‘We are here’

Buried without a ceremony, without a tear

Now’s the time we must make our choices

We must choose to educate all Canadians

Middle school history must talk of this

Every Indigenous person, regardless of their generation

Carries the scars of this painful desecration

Canada, My Canada, What have you done?

Collaborated with the Catholic Church to commit this wrong

This is not the time for us to look away

This is the time to stand tall and stay

We must take a stand to right this wrong

Together we can stand together and stand strong

Education and Recommendations, Call for Action

These scars will be carried forever

However, we can heal if we just work together

Gordon Coyle

“Those were painful and highly emotional days when they were locating the graves.” Mr. Coyle told me in an interview regarding his poem. This poet moved me to tears as he described the little
wooden crosses the elders had hand-made and placed in the ditch all along Highway 5 near Kamloops in honour of the little children being found in the graves. Gordon and his brother Joe
Coyle went to school with some of those little kids from Gr. 1–7. If they release the names of any of the children in the graves, they will be names the brothers know.

Gordon went on to tell me as he spent time there, he could feel something different in the air and he believed in his heart all the “ Little Voices “ cried out with their spirit energies to the elders, wanting to be found and finally recognized.

He also shared with me, as he wrote this poem that his soul felt the unimaginable horror and tragedy, yet the image of reconciliation in the future gave him some form of hope. He knew he had to do his part any way he could to bring those little voices back to life and this poem was his way of amplification. The line that still brings hot tears and pent-up emotion to Coyle is:

“Canada, Oh Canada…What have you done?”

This is truly the one of the first questions a person will ask when they have been brought up learning the Indigenous ways and culture. For more than a century, they were told to believe in the writings and agreements of Treaty 8. Gordon Coyle’s Great- Grandmother was a woman of Cree descent from Treaty 8 which is one of eleven Treaty areas in Canada and encompasses a landmass of approx. 840,000 KM. It is home to 39 First Nations communities. Treaty 8 was signed June 21st, 1899.

Treaty 8 has long been recognized as the Treaty of Peace. The true spirit of it when signed was peace, law, respect, honesty and acceptance, all while sharing the plentiful resources such as hunting, fishing, forestry, mining and agriculture between Indigenous Peoples and newcomers. For the Indigenous Peoples this Treaty was also intended to secure their right to cultural activities and burial grounds.

It was curious to me that Mr. Coyle pinpointed the Catholic Church in “215 Little Voices”. I asked him why? His response was swift! “Because we were raised in a strict Catholic family and taught to respect each of the 10 Commandments without question. It is beyond understanding and for now, even forgiveness, having witnessed without doubt the proof of what was silently and secretly known to be the actions of his church. After our lengthyand soul-moving conversation, it is truly painful to take in all that has happened. Looking back, I recognize that nothing of Treaty 8 held credence nor was respected by the newcomers who insisted on having it signed.

Mr. Coyle and I went on to discuss what he thought of the now often-used message for “Call to Action”. We both are of the opinion that it can only be effective when ACTION takes place! He added, “Even small actions will propel us into reconciliation and healing, but action needs to start NOW in any form, which includes his heartfelt poem written for the “215 Little Voices”.

There is so much pain and healing yet to be done and Gordon was adamant and firm in his tone when he stated he believed the trip to the Vatican, then having the Pope stand on bloodied soil speaking a genuine apology might be the first of many steps needed to move forward. However, he also added that storytelling is the culture and way of Indigenous Peoples. Coyle stated that only through storytelling and knowing the reality of the painful past, can the future begin to right itself and allow peaceful, plentiful hope to wrap the tortured souls in belief once again.

I say, “Let the Storytellers and Knowledge Keepers speak!”

Mr. Coyle learned to express his thoughts through wordsmithing. Some of his experience and call to write has come from the loss of his own son. Gordon realized as he entered the healing stage of that kind of loss, that his son didn’t have the time in his beautiful life to write his memoirs. He was always busy investing his energy helping others, bringing light and love wherever he was. His smile was radiant and could change a dark day into sunshine. Mr. Gordon Coyle felt the urge to pull from his son’s ability to spread joy and with his own talent put life’s experienced to word. Gordon is a published author and photographer. He has 5 books published and sought after on Amazon.

In closing Gordon said, “We all hold the ability to change the world, perhaps it will be only in small ways, but it all adds up. In years to come it will be those small ways that are the difference makers.”

The following are titles of Mr. Gordon Coyle’s books.

• “Open Road to my Soul”
• “Bits and Pieces”
• “Her Beautiful Soul”

Originally published at https://blog.itstimeforchange.ca/215-little-voices/ on July 26, 2022.

May 05th, RED DRESS DAY

You see a beautiful red dress hanging in the trees. The day on the calendar May 5 th,reminds us that it represents the many Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Persons who have been viciously murdered. Some of these precious souls have been found, but most are still missing. What that red dress stands for is really not beautiful at all!

Red Dress Day is a somber gathering and speaks loudly. Families across the nation speak out on this day, “We are visible and we are here. We stand with our message, not to be a part of a problem, but a part of the solution”.

We can never let the memories of missing women silently slip away. Much work needs to be done every day to change attitudes, change environments, change the outcome and future generations for Indigenous Women. ALL people standing together, using their voices is paramount in the work needed to make change against the injustice of crimes against Indigenous Women.

There are 231 Calls for Justice. They are legal imperatives and not optional. They represent important ways to end the genocide and to transform systemic and societal values that have worked to maintain colonial violence.

In Call #1: The Calls are to ensure that equitable access to basic rights such as employment, housing, education, safety, and health care is recognized as a fundamental means of protecting Indigenous and human rights, resourced and supported as rights-based programs founded on substantive equality. All programs must be no-barrier and must apply regardless of Status or location.

In Call #4: All governments must support and resource economic and social progress and development on an equitable basis, as these measures are required to uphold the human dignity, life, liberty, and security of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. All governments must support and resource community-based supports and solutions designed to improve social and economic security, led by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. This support must come with long-term, sustainable funding designed to meet the needs and objectives as defined by Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Call #15: Denounce and speak out against violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Calls for All Canadians:

As this report has shown, and within every encounter, each person has a role to play in order to combat violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. Beyond those Calls aimed at governments or at specific industries or service providers, we encourage every Canadian to consider how they can give life to these Calls for Justice. We call on all Canadians to:

Women in Indigenous culture once had power and ultimate respect. Violent treatment of women completely goes against the value that Indigenous Peoples traditionally placed on them. They were the life-givers and held leadership roles in various areas such as economics, spirituality, and politics within their communities. Through decolonization and the arrival of European ideology, the horrific mistreatment began. There is still very little justice for centuries of murders and violence against Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples. They are 12 times more likely to be murdered and go missing than other women in Canada. This needs to change…today!

The federal government in 2019 finally declared violence against Indigenous Women and Girls “a national tragedy of epic proportion.”

Industrial and Business Canada, when partnering with It’s Time For Change can make the most immediate and positive difference. When we begin to communicate and collaborate with Indigenous Peoples it will most definitely bring a strong economy to individuals and communities. When the economy is strong, it is statistically proven wellness is up, confidence flows from one generation to the next and sparks ongoing prosperity.

To end violence toward Indigenous Women and Girls racist and sexist attitudes must be reversed. Addressing structural factors such as underfunding of basic human needs including housing, clean water, food security, education and employment is the first step. Solid investigations into past and present cases of missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls must occur and the punishment MUST fit the crime. A huge barrier to making these changes is factored by the dominant male presence within the different agencies responsible for making decisions. Indigenous Women from all walks of life should be included, respected and heard. Cooperation and co-existence will lead to survival.

Indigenous women today are leading the way toward healing the wounds of colonization, as they confront the issues of residential schools, MMIWG2S, centuries of racism, abuse, violence, drug and alcohol addictions. They cannot continue to hang red dresses in the trees, hoping the hearts of Canadians feels their pain and address their needs. As a society, the time to come together in Truth and Reconciliation and Respect is now. No longer can Talk be the way forward. Action is required by all.

As we honour Red Dress Day and all that it represents, It’s Time For Change stands alongside Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples with determination to bring about positive well-being, economic, lifelong changes for their future.

Originally published at https://blog.itstimeforchange.ca on May 10, 2022.

What are the benefits of being a native in Canada?

What are the benefits of being a native in Canada?

There are several benefits of being a native in Canada. Indigenous peoples and communities of Canada get many free concessions from the Government of Canada. Not only the government, some private organizations are providing indigenous services in Canada to give free benefits to native Canadians. Here are some of the benefits that are given to the aboriginal people of Canada.

Non-insured health benefits for natives:

Non-insured health benefits, also known as NIHB, is a program run by the Government of Canada. Under this native Canadians get the benefit of free health checkups and medicines. Under this program, native people of Canada will get free benefits like:

* Drug and pharmacy products
* Dental benefits
* Vision care
* Medical supplies and equipment
* Medical transportation
* Mental health counseling

To know the eligibility and more about this visit here

Taxes and benefits for indigenous peoples:

Indigenous peoples get tax benefits, credit, and exempt income under section 87 of the Income Act. As per the Canada Revenue Agency(CRA), indigenous people are subject to the same rules as any other resident in Canada, except they are eligible according to the Indian act. If native peoples file the return, then they will get the following benefits:

* Child disability benefits
* Goods and services tax/Harmonized sales tax credit
* Canada child benefit
* Disability tax exemption
* Canada workers benefits
* Climate action incentive
* Northern residents deductions

Indigenous status:

The Indigenous status card is another benefit given to the indigenous community of Canada. Not all indigenous communities get this status card such as Inuits and Metis are not eligible for this because they are not an “Indian” according to Indian Act. So other aboriginal communities who are defined as Indian can apply for the status card here. Advantages of having a status card:

* Treaty annuity payments
* Trust money
* Can cross Canada-US border
* Estate services

Social programs:

There are a number of social programs that are run by the government. These social programs are run to support indigenous families and communities. Also improves the economy, living, health, and education status of the aboriginal peoples. It has different programs as follow:

* First nations child and family services
* Family violence prevention program
* The on-reserve income assistance program
* Assisted living program

Community well-being and jurisdiction initiatives program
Indigenous rights:

Canadian Human Rights Commission(CHRC) is working for the betterment of human rights and their protection. In the past, indigenous peoples didn’t have full access to human rights but after passing an amendment in 2008 it all changed. Now aboriginal peoples have the right to complain against discrimination and other falses as per the Indian act.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program(RRAP):

Under this program government funding for the restoration and modification of housing at an affordable price. There are several subprograms under this as follow:

* Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
* Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Conversion
* Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Secondary and Garden Suites
* Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities

Know more about all these programs here

These are the major benefits of being native in Canada. Along with essential advantages, native peoples also get some additional benefits under several programs such as

* United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
* Canadian Armed Forces Programs for Indigenous peoples
* On-reserve Income Assistance program
* Matrimonial real property on reserve

Conclusion:

The Canadian government is constantly working for the betterment of native people in Canada. You can check the list of different programs running by the federal government of Canada. Not only government but also private organizations working for the economic development of native Canadians. ITFC is one of the private organizations that is providing indigenous services in Canada for indigenous inclusion.

Originally published at https://www.selfgrowth.com.

Informal Call Sign for Economic Growth and Prosperity

 

Informal Call Sign for Economic Growth and Prosperity

Merriam -Webster defines “Call Sign” as the combination of identifying letters assigned to an activity for use in communication! 

The Truth and Reconciliation Report identified several specific Calls to Action as it pertains to the economy!  The recommendations or “calls to action” will remain just that, recommendations and calls to action if we choose to do nothing!

Canadians have an opportunity to change the trajectory of our economy.  The task does not have to be as daunting as one might think it is!

We are proposing that ITs Time for Change, (ITFC), become the call sign  and direct Canadians to a unique online destination where effective supports are provided to specific audiences contributing to economic inclusion, engagement and growth.

Designed and built by Canadians who recognize the economic potential of Indigenous inclusion and engagement, this national platform enables everyday Canadians, companies, organizations and, governments at all levels the ability to participate in the most meaningful engagement of all!  An economic engagement!

Engaging those who can drive economic reconciliation.

• Indigenous communities who believe that their socioeconomic goals will be achieved through the creation of enterprises, partnerships, products, and services that will respond to unmet or under satisfied needs of the community.
• For the 94% of Canadian businesses that have NOT realized the potential of working with, selling to or hiring an Indigenous person, business or community!

And for all those who inspire change!

Often referred to as the “say to gap”, the difference between what we say and what we do, illustrate how our words fall short of meaningful change.

The Government of Canada for example goes to great lengths to speak of a procurement strategy that would increase government spending involving Indigenous businesses up to 5% of total spending. This is a great idea, why has it taken so long? The current spend amongst Indigenous business is less than 1% so one must ask how and why it hasn’t been achieved to date.

One rationale is that the Government of Canada does not know or can identify with Indigenous Businesses! In fact, less than 5% of the 55,000 Indigenous businesses are registered on the federal Indigenous business registry. Why? We have heard many reasons but this one in particular tops the charts, “its too complicated”

ITFC is changing all of that.

Our national platform brings forth a solution based on an intimate knowledge of the barriers that for generations have prevented Indigenous individuals and communities from building and growing their economies.  ITFC is providing non-indigenous businesses and organizations insights into the economic opportunity that exists and providing a platform for engagement.

ITFC is strategically positioned to advocate and offer an economic engagement strategy to the 94% of Canadian companies that don’t have one.  What only 6% of Canadian companies have come to realize is the massive economic growth opportunity that exists when you partner, collaborate with the Indigenous community in Canada.

The fact that we do not have an inclusive and engaged economy is about to “change”

Our Strategy:  To Share

To create jobs, to connect individuals with those jobs, to mobilize a remote workforce, to share knowledge and insights, to advocate for, identify and promote business within the supply chain, to share and maximize procurement opportunities, to share best practices and grow the economy in an inclusive and engaged environment where everybody can benefit!

Wikipedia says a “Call Sign” can be Informally adopted by individuals or organizations

So, let the challenge start today, share the ITFC Call sign with your neighbors, your business associates, the mom and pops who run a small business down the street and let’s rally around a national platform that provides the opportunity to take action!

www.itstimeforchange.ca

Without action any recommendation or call to action is just another statement.

Article originally posted at: https://blog.itstimeforchange.ca/informal-call-sign-for-economic-growth-and-prosperity/

Indigenous Inclusion Everything You Need Know

In this article, you will learn about indigenous inclusion the path of success for indigenous communities of Canada. The success of any country depends on the success of its peoples, all communities (whether it is indigenous communities or nonindigenous communities), businesses, and industries. The economic growth of Canada is directly proportional to the growth of the people of Canada.

In this post, we will discuss the following points one by one:

• What is Indigenous inclusion?
• What is the Indigenous inclusion strategy?
• Benefits of indigenous inclusion.
• Where to start?

What is indigenous inclusion?

Indigenous inclusion is building relationships between indigenous people and nonnative people for the economic development of aboriginal communities. It’s a way to create an environment to explore, learn, and communicate with the communities that have not been recognized by the country for a long time.

Aboriginal inclusivity brings natives and non-natives together. So, they can share differences in views, culture, and other aspects of their lives. It builds mutual understanding, open mind, heart and lessens the difference without being judgemental.

The Canadian government runs different programs for indigenous inclusion and reconciliation of indigenous communities of Canada.

What is the Indigenous inclusion strategy?

It is better to have a plan or strategy before applying the indigenous inclusion theory. Indigenous inclusion strategy is the process that allows you to determine goals and objectives. A strategic approach allows you to focus on the predefined goals for indigenous community development.

The main Goals and Objectives of Indigenous inclusion strategy

Improve Relations:

Develop a respectful relationship with indigenous communities, partners, businesses, and nations.

Education & Awareness:

Increase knowledge and awareness about the indigenous people and communities through awareness activities and campaigns.

Indigenous Economic Inclusion:

Help indigenous communities’ businesses by making them aware of available business opportunities, procurement opportunities, and collaboration with giant industries.

Benefits of Indigenous Inclusion:

• Discover and grow from the history
• More solidarity community
• Trade possibilities (under-tapped buyer demand)
• The underrepresented pool of skills
• Branding to attract talents from a wide range of talents
• Evolve an Employer of Preference

Where to start?

We can start indigenous inclusion at the workplace, university, cultural, and personal levels.

At Workplace:

• Hire indigenous people at the workplace
• Include them in team meetings and discussions
• Provide training for management-level jobs
• Mentorship programs
• Offer highly paid jobs
• Create a work culture for them
• Make policies for them
• Acknowledge and celebrate cultural activities
• Conversions with indigenous colleagues

At University:

• Promote indigenous inclusion in universities
• Make colleges more welcoming and safe for indigenous students
• Indigenous cultural and social programs
• Indigenous support centers
• Academic counseling
• Workshop for employment of indigenous students
• First Nation, Metis, Inuit Community Group
• Aboriginal Liaison/Admission Office

Conclusion:

Indigenous inclusion is the best way to connect with indigenous communities of Canada. For the comprehensive development of the Indigenous communities such as First Nations, Metis, and Inuits, we need to promote an indigenous inclusion program at a larger scale. So, every individual or citizen of Canada contributes to making this happen soon.

TEACHER, TEACH ME — Its Time For Change

 The dependency ratio is an economic indicator of working-age to non-working-age people. It defines the number of people likely to depend on others for support.

• The dependency ratio is the total number of people too young or old to work, divided by the number of working-age people.
• Dependency ratios reveal the population breakdown of a country and how well dependents can be taken care of.
• Older citizens are becoming a larger percentage of dependency ratio, while the percentage of children being born is falling.

With every decade the dependency ratio grows higher. The higher the dependency ratio, the greater the burden. So how in today’s world, can the burden be lightened, rather than breaking our economical backs? How do we assist hard-working people who want to get out there and be a part of the solution? What do they need in their skill set to feel prepared and confident enough to join the workforce?

To start with, learning via on-line, although already in place in the largest part of Canada, will soon have the added availability of classes and courses, brought right to Indigenous communities and homes regardless of how remote they may be. The innovative and exciting news surrounding the launch of approximately 290 new satellites was brought forward in the LEO is out of this World blog. Times are changing, so must the way we teach and learn.

Itstimeforchange.ca is one of those highly innovative and specifically dedicated, Indigenous holistic, inclusive platforms. ITFC recognizes and understands the immediate need for expanded curriculum outlines, followed by training with solid plans that build successful outcomes, taught by Instructors with true knowledge of real-time needs and the heart of peoples needing it.

There are only a few years between now and the installations of LEO. This is a crucial time for many open and honest conversations, driven by the very people waiting for this inclusive and economically beneficial advancement, surrounding their requirements in education and training. It is more than time for the Government and management of the companies driving the economy hear, not just head nod, then work towards providing what is needed to promote change.

The learning system is yearning for an enhanced and expanded product overhaul. To become a reality for Indigenous students and workers alike, Government and Corporations (starting at the top down through to management) will need to sit at the same “Table of Respect” with Indigenous leaders and their peoples. When needs are heard in a collaborative and transparent way, honest, forward-thinking solutions are sure to evolve.

Within the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action, at the very beginning of those Calls, points 6–12 are directly regarding Education, from Early Childhood Development to Post Secondary backlogs. That tells you right there, it is one of the top priorities for Indigenous people from all over this great and prosperous country. Chiefs, Leaders and Councillors have been seeking answers knowing the Peoples of Indigenous communities want to be educated, feel productive and know they are valued members of our national community, willing and able to hold up and lessen the dependency ratio burden. Should those with dreams and work goals have an expectation and an inclusive, integral part of the development of those solutions? Yes, that answer is a resounding yes!

Education, for the most part has been the same one-way street of learning. The course is set out and it’s up to the student to follow in detail, until completion. Moving forward, there will need to be a change in direction and delivery of teachings. Every area, every community, every individual may have different requirements. It’s time for change in a big way! Rather than the institute demanding people learn their way, it’s time for people to stand up and say “ Teacher, Teach ME!”

The footprint of learning is there to follow, however, communication, non-judgmental, open-minded conversations surrounding these necessities will be key in years to come.

Teaching and Instruction must have the ability to adapt to the way of learning and the way of living, while having a true connection to the heartbeat of the people wanting to learn. There must be a future built on trust that has not ever existed before. Indigenous peoples wherever they live, must have the same learning tools and confidence building skills as any other Canadian.

While the learner becomes ready to step into the workforce, It’s Time For Change also understands this is a new and somewhat scary thought and an often-intimidating process for people just getting started on their new path in the work world. It’s Time For Change recognizes the many challenges and stands beside the Indigenous people as they speak for their future. Indigenous Liaison Service Providers within It’s Time For Change platform, will be a driving force mediating and procuring the many prerequisites in the new learning toolbox.

Reconciliation can not only be about healing the past, it must also be about looking towards a brighter, economically positive and inclusive future. It’s Time For Change looks forward to facilitating and assisting in bringing that brighter future for you, to you and with you. Let’s all say it together, loud and long….

“Teacher, Teach ME!”

Originally published at https://blog.itstimeforchange.ca on December 15, 2021.