Statement for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day 2024


On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) acknowledges our responsibility to honor the unceded territories of the host nations Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh, and the Coast Salish and First Nations peoples who have stewarded the land we call Canada since time immemorial. We acknowledge that our cooperative exists on stolen and unceded land, and we state ourcommitment to both truth and reconciliation.

In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, we are committed to integrating these principles into our operations. Our core values include:

  1. Respect for Indigenous Cultures: We honor Indigenous histories and commit to ongoing education about the impacts of colonization.

  2. Cultural Competency: We will provide training for staff and volunteers to deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures and how colonization has blinded us from being in reciprocal relationality to each other and the land.

  3. Partnerships: We seek to build meaningful collaborations with Indigenous organizations to uplift and, where appropriate, co-create initiatives that address community needs.
  4. Support for Indigenous-Led Initiatives: We will provide resources and support for projects that align with the self-determined goals of Indigenous peoples.
  5. Transparency and Accountability: We will regularly seek feedback from Indigenous communities, individuals, and consultants to ensure our efforts are effective and responsive.

As an organization, we are taking time to reexamine our action plan and the ways in which we consider and engage in reconciliation. This is a process that we believe to be a priority moving forward,

With gratitude and respect,

The Vancouver Tool Library Team