Proclamation of Support for Truth and Reconciliation in Washington State
In Recognition of Indigenous People’s Day on October 8, 2018 and Native American Month in November, 2018
Proclamation of Support for Truth and Reconciliation in Washington State
There is an emerging and compelling desire to acknowledge the events of the past so that we can work towards a stronger and healthier future. The truth telling and reconciliation process is a sincere acknowledgement of the injustices and harms experienced by Indigenous peoples in Washington State and the need for continued healing. This is a profound commitment to establishing new relationships embedded in mutual recognition and respect that will forge a brighter future. The truth of our common experiences will help set our spirits free and pave the way to reconciliation. 1
We, the residents of Washington State, recognize that every child matters. If all of our residents are to flourish, a process of truth and reconciliation for Indigenous people in our State must be established. 2
By signing this proclamation, we have agreed that a Truth and Reconciliation Commission should be established to contribute to truth, healing and reconciliation in Washington State. 3
We ask that this Commission and its activities be fully funded by the Washington State government.
The goals of the Commission shall be to:
• Acknowledge the historical and current experiences of Indigenous peoples in Washington State 3,4
• Acknowledge the historical and current impacts and consequences of actions taken by the US government affecting Indigenous peoples in Washington State 1,3
• Provide several holistic, culturally appropriate and safe settings for Indigenous peoples to share their stories and wisdom with the wider community 5
• Witness, support, promote and facilitate truth and reconciliation events at both State and community levels 1,3
• Promote greater awareness and public education of Washington residents about the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Washington State 6
• Promote ongoing curriculum development to support Washington State’s curriculum initiative Since Time Immemorial 3,7
• Identify sources and create a substantial historical record of the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Washington State 1,3
• Document all living Indigenous languages in Washington State and promote revitalization of these languages 3,8
• Document the impacts of environmental damage to Indigenous peoples’ land and acknowledge the extensive habitat restoration that Indigenous tribes have already accomplished 1,9,10
• Promote further environmental protection and restoration in order to support Indigenous people’s land, resources, and food sovereignty 1,3,9
• Identify and review reference documents relevant to truth and reconciliation for indigenous peoples, including but not limited to: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, Proclamation 8947, Maine Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Report, Centennial Accord, Point Elliot Treaty, the Constitution of the United States, the Paris Peace Treaty of 1783, the Oregon Treaty of 1846, the Truth and Reconciliation Mandate of Canada, Jay’s Treaty, and Docket No. 110 1,3,6,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,17
• Document the impact of transboundary family separation through collaboration with the Canadian government and First Nations in British Columbia 18
• Produce and submit a report including recommendations to the Government of Washington State concerning the experiences of Indigenous peoples including: the history of Indigenous peoples in Washington State, the impacts and consequences of actions taken by the US government affecting these Indigenous peoples (including systemic harms, intergenerational consequences, the transboundary impact of family separation, and the impact on human dignity) 1,3
• Support commemoration of former and current Indigenous people and their families who have shown great resilience and maintained their cultural identities under the threat of cultural genocide 3,5
We ask that the Commission pursue the goals during a period of three years. At the close of three years, we ask that further legislative actions (i.e. proposal of a State bill) be taken pursuant to the findings of the Commission.
Sources
1. Adapted from Our Mandate. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Schedule N of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (2006).
http://www.trc.ca/websites/trcinstitution/index.php?p=7 (Accessed Sept 2018)
2. Adapted from Through the Lens of Truth and Reconciliation: Next Steps. By R. L. Bourque Bearskin. Canadian Nurse (March 2016).
https://www.canadian-nurse.com/articles/issues/2016/march-2016/through-the-lens-of-truth-and-reconciliation-next-steps (Accessed Sept 2018)
3. Adapted from United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. United Nations (Adopted by the General Assembly in Sept 2007).
https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf (Accessed Sept 2018)
4. Inspired by Acknowledging the Past to Heal the Future: The Role of Reparations for Native Nations. By R. Tsosie. Chapter from Reparations: Interdisciplinary Inquiries. Oxford University Press. Pages 47-68 (2007).
https://apps.law.asu.edu/Repository/2008/06/23043614.pdf (Accessed Sept 2018)
5. Inspired by What Works in Effective Indigenous Community-Managed Programs and Organisations. By S. Morley. Child Family Community Australia, Paper Number 32 (Published 2015).
https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/sites/default/files/publication-documents/cfca-paper32-indigenous-programs.pdf (Accessed Sept 2018)
6. Inspired by Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Report http://www.mainewabanakitrc.org/report/ (Accessed Sept 2018)
7. Inspired by Since Time Immemorial. Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State. SB5433 Legislature (Passed in 2015).
http://www.k12.wa.us/IndianEd/TribalSovereignty/ (Accessed 2018)
8. Inspired by How to Begin an Indigenous Language Revitalization Initiative. First Peoples’ Cultural Cou...
