In recognition of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, we sat down with one of our clients to learn about their perspective on the day and what the Canadian philanthropic sector can do to support Indigenous groups on this day, and all year long.
Introducing Torsten Diesel
Torsten Diesel is Director of Projects with Inuit Heritage Trust in Iqaluit.
Torsten joined us for a discussion on the significance of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, his organization’s work in Nunavut and what the Canadian philanthropic community can do to support our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
Global: What is the Inuit Heritage Trust?
Torsten: The Inuit Heritage Trust is a Nunavut land claims organization. Our land claims came into effect in 1999 and under the Nunavut agreement, Inuit have special rights in Nunavut.
Those rights are protected and preserved by different Inuit organizations – IHT is one of them. We are mandated to collect and preserve Inuit place names. We are the Co-owners of the archaeology collection of Nunavut. We are stakeholders or safe keepers of the tangible heritage of Inuit in Nunavut. We are also involved in the permitting and regulation process to access archaeological sites. We expand our mandate to museum work and engagement with tangible heritage to make sure Inuit have the opportunity to reconnect with their culture and belongings, strengthening their identity.
Global: What does National Day for Truth & Reconciliation mean to you?
Torsten: The day is a good reminder of the colonial heritage that Canada has, not just the history. It’s a reminder that it’s not just history – it’s still present today.
It’s important for people who are not directly involved with Indigenous Groups to remember that when you live in an Indigenous setting, post-colonial reality is omnipresent. It’s still creating a huge imbalance for Indigenous Peoples across our nation. That’s the real strength of this day – to bring awareness back to all Canadians that we’re not just talking about something that happened a long time ago, but we’re talking about a present issue. To not just acknowledge, but to overcome the imbalance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Groups and individuals in Canada.
Global: What can Canadian non-profits do to support Indigenous Peoples and organizations?
Torsten: Engagement with Indigenous Peoples starts with acknowledgment of differences, right? We all have basic values we share, otherwise we shouldn’t and wouldn’t live in a country together. A common ground does not mean being the same in every situation.
It also means that we are, in many ways, very different. Those differences shape our identity. You want to be aware that your approach comes from an intrinsic socialization. The person sitting opposite you might have a very different way of communicating. Take a step back. Be there to listen and observe. Be sensitive to their perception of what you’re saying. Create a safe space where Indigenous People can voice their needs and concerns and experiment with different solutions.
Those would be the guiding principles for non-profits in the philanthropic sector to redirect and reshape their actions to support Indigenous Peoples.
Learn more about the work of IHTI here.
