Article
Max FineDay’s challenge to Canada’s public servants: Embrace reconciliation or get out of the way
Share
Released:July 25, 2018
Project: Reconciliation Series
Indigenous leader Max FineDay had some strong words for senior federal public servants enrolled in a PPF’s learning series called Putting Reconciliation into Practice.
“If you are not in service to Indigenous people, it might be time for you to retire,” he told the group in a video message presented as part of a panel on the vision young people have for reconciliation. FineDay is Executive Director of Canadian Roots Exchange, an organization promoting reconciliation. “For too long, government has done all they can to make sure progress was not made,” he added.
“This is some of the hardest work that you will have to do as a public servant. It will require some unlearning and then re-learning,” he said, pointing out the difficult legacy current public servants have inherited from predecessors dating back to Confederation. “It’s going to have to be done in a way that sees Indigenous people as partners instead of impediments.”
His blunt words punctuated his broader message of hope in the face of uncertainty and challenges.
Watch more of his video message here:
Articles
Public servants learn reconciliation means relationship-building and action
PPF’s reconciliation series didn’t answer all the questions about reconciliation but offered context and impetus to act. By: Jocelyn Formsma
Events
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation into Practice III: Session 1 – Understanding
Session 1: Understanding and applying the government’s agenda. The session includes Indigenous leaders, discussion, critical thinking and interactive learning. The learning program will focus on considering concrete policy solutions to some of the topical and important issues associated with the Indigenous agenda.
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation into Practice II: Session 4 – Building a nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationship
The topic will cover Youth and next steps. Agenda to come.
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation into Practice II: Session 3 – Working Together – Partnership and Co-development
Session 3: Working Together - Partnership and Co-development The program participants will hear from leading Indigenous voices on justice and economic development. Agenda to come.
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation into Practice II: Session 1 – Understanding and applying the government’s agenda
Session 1: Understanding and applying the government’s agenda. The session includes Indigenous leaders, discussion, critical thinking and interactive learning. The learning program will focus on considering concrete policy solutions to some of the topical and important issues associated with the Indigenous agenda.
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation into Practice II: Session 2 – Visit to Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
Session 2: Visit to Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation with a conversation with Chief and Council as well as a stop at the school.
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation into Practice: Session 4
The Public Policy Forum is offering a professional development opportunity exclusively for public service executives to explore in-depth how reconciliation with Indigenous peoples can be put into practice.
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation into Practice: Session 3
The Public Policy Forum is offering a professional development opportunity exclusively for public service executives to explore in-depth how reconciliation with Indigenous peoples can be put into practice.
Past Event
Putting Reconciliation Into Practice: Session 1
The Public Policy Forum is offering a professional development opportunity exclusively for public service executives to explore in-depth how reconciliation with Indigenous peoples can be put into practice.