As an organization, AMSSA has made intentional choice to prioritize the use of the word Decolonization, rather than Reconciliation.
Guided by teachings from Indigenous Leader, Elder Norm Leech, we recognize that Reconciliation assumes there is a relationship to reconcile. However, there was never a reciprocal, equal relationship.
Colonial laws, institutions, and treaties were created to benefit those who made them. Alternatively, Decolonization focuses on restoring the Indigenous worldview and culture, replacing colonialized interpretations. Decolonization is a process of dismantling, deconstructing, and disrupting cultural and colonial barriers that separate us, suppress us, and quite often oppress us (Len Pierre, 2019).
At the same time, it is important to remember that, ‘There is no universal definition of decolonization. Further, it is important to note that many Indigenous peoples do not like the term, which centres Eurocentric views. Overall, [we] describe decolonization as dismantling and disrupting the barriers that suppress Indigenous peoples. Decolonization is a framework, rather than an objective or outcome. It will be imperfect. In fact, the idea of perfection is in itself colonial, and Indigenous worldviews foreground balance instead, and aim for systemic change over the long term’ (Len Pierre Consulting, 2024). As AMSSA enters this work, it is important to remember that Decolonization is an ongoing process – a slow, iterative, and intentional journey. Indigenous Leader, JB Webster, shared with AMSSA:
“Decolonization is like a wave. It is not a linear process. It is a journey… You are never at the end of your journey with Decolonization”
AMSSA’s Truth and Decolonization work is guided by an Indigenous Advisory Council and Indigenous partners. It is crucial to, ‘Always capitalize the ‘I’ in Indigenous just as you would capitalize the ‘c’ in Canada. What we capitalize we pay respect to and recognize its value in a name’ (Len Pierre, 2019).
Additionally, when we refer to the Indigenous Advisory Council, ‘Avoid using possessive terminology such as “our” Indigenous partners, or “our” Indigenous communities, or “Canada’s” Indigenous peoples. [Indigenous peoples] do not belong to anyone or anything. Using possessive terminology reinforces the power gap between colonial institutions and Indigenous peoples’ (Len Pierre, 2019).
Listening and Learning (2011—2022)
An e-symposium to kick start the discussion on how immigrant settlement service providers can introduce immigrants to First Nations and Aboriginal culture, history, issues, and peoples. Many thanks to our presenters for sharing their time and knowledge with us.
In this lunch and learn webinar, cultural planner Kamala Todd shared her experience as a Metis-Cree living and working in the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh Nations, and how to observe protocols in a territory different to that of her ancestors.
Symposium: “Indigenous Newcomer Relationships” An Organizational Dialogue on Unsettling Practices (2019)
A dialogue and group work to take a critical look at the establishment of relationships with First Nations and Indigenous people in the immigration sector.
AMSSA Lecture: Working with Newcomers on Unceded Territory Part 1 & 2 (2020)
In this two-part presentation, frontline workers and managers were encouraged to reflect on the past and seek commonality for a future together.
AMSSATalk: Climate Change, Displacement & Environmental Racism (2021)
For any settlement and integration staff wanting to learn more about the connections between climate change, service delivery and human rights
A living, practical tool to activate settler reflexivity as a currently missing step in the centering of Indigenous presence and Indigenous knowledge when confronting current colonialism.
AMSSATalk: Indigenous Leaders’ Circle (2022)
In this AMSSATalk, Indigenous Leaders engaged in a dialogue about truth, reconciliation, and decolonization.
Truth (2022—2024)
BCSIS E-Learning Course: Decolonize Yourself – Connecting to Your Indigeneity (2023)
In this course, Settlement Service Providers are invited to consider the topic, ‘Decolonize Yourself – Connecting to Your Indigeneity’.
BCSIS E-Learning Course: Indigenous Worldview vs Colonized Worldview (2023)
In this course, Settlement Service Providers will be invited to consider the difference between an Indigenous Worldview and Colonized Worldview.
Indigenous Truth and Decolonization The Survivor Spirit, Documentary and Illustration (2024)
Exploring the ‘Survivor Spirit’ concept, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected concepts of intergenerational trauma and intergenerational strength
Decolonization (2024—2027)
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First Stream: Relationships with Funders and Community (2024–2025)
‘Tending to the Disconnect: A Relational Approach to Healing, Funding, and Community’ booklet (available soon)
This resource continues to serve as a foundational lens for all ongoing Decolonization River work. It ensures that relational principles remain central to every stage of AMSSA’s initiatives.
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Second Stream: Organizational Policies and Procedures (2025–2026)
AMSSATalk: Indigenous Leaders Circle on Decolonized Organizational Culture, with a few supporting materials (available soon)
Two-part webinar series on Decolonizing Strategic Planning (available soon)
- Third Stream: Programs and Service Delivery (2026–2027) (To develop this year)
