June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day – a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The LGMA recognizes that at this time Indigenous peoples are mourning the unimaginable tragedy at the site of the former Kamloops Residential school on the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation as additional mass burial sites are discovered across Canada. The LGMA recognizes that there is much work to be done and calls on local governments, more than ever, to commit to meaningful and purposeful reconciliation.

As a professional development association, we recognize that implementing the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report of 2015 requires dedication, reflective learning, and collaboration. We remain committed to supporting local governments to implement the Calls to Action and we reflect on the ongoing efforts to improve our abilities to support our local and First Nation government members in this important work. We encourage you to engage in learning about the historical and present-day impacts of colonization, strengthen your efforts towards reconciliation, access resources like the #IndigenousReads campaign, draw on the expertise of Indigenous consultants to guide your work as you reinvigorate your organizations’ commitment to the Calls to Action, and be sure to share your successes and your struggles so that we may learn from each other, today and every day.