BCWWA’s COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION

As awareness grows around the water sector's role in reconciliation, there is an opportunity for engagement and meaningful action within the BCWWA community. As an organization that represents the vital and sacred resources of water and the people who work every day to keep our water systems clean and safe, the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) is committed to measurable and meaningful action of reconciliation that aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

HOW WE BEGAN THIS JOURNEY

In 2022, a sub-group of the BCWWA Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee started discussing how the Association could integrate the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. From here, a TRC Task Force was established in the spring of 2022.

In 2023, the Task Force became an official BCWWA committee with the mandate to examine further the status of reconciliation within the BC water sector and provide direction on implementing actionable measures to be taken by the BCWWA.

TAKING MEASURABLE STEPS

We acknowledge and understand that the process of reconciliation is complex. It is not a one-day event but a lifelong process of unlearning and learning and personal reflection. As part of this journey, we commit to more than just words and platitudes but to meaningful and measurable actions that move us forward in reconciliation and inclusive water community. We invite our members and partners to be part of this journey so we can create real change together.

Here are some ways the BCWWA is taking action in our commitment to truth and reconciliation:

Established a member-driven Truth and Reconciliation Task Force in the fall of 2022.

Supported the creation of a context statement drafted by the Task Force confirming the need for BCWWA to formally address reconciliation through the development of an organizational action plan that aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

Encouraged BCWWA staff to learn about the culture, tradition and history of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation in North Vancouver through a canoe-paddling experience led by Indigenous-owned Takaya Tours.

Opened our 2023 Annual Conference in Penticton, BC, with a powerful welcome ceremony led by Anona Kampe from the Penticton Indian Band.

Led two interactive workshops at the 2023 Annual Conference focusing on what meaningful reconciliation looks like in the water sector and how ongoing discussions and input from BCWWA members can inform the work of the committee moving forward.

Compiled a list of resources and examples for members in the lead-up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2023, to allow space and resources for learning on the day.

MOVING FORWARD

Reconciliation in the water sector and all parts of our life and work are ongoing commitments to change and progress. We look forward to connecting and engaging with members as we continue to acknowledge what role the water industry has in the work of reconciliation.

Here are some ways we plan to further this work:

Continue to connect BCWWA members with information, space and resources throughout the year to further their learning journey.

Raise awareness of annual observances dedicated to furthering reconciliation, including the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (May 5), National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), and committing to personal actions to further this awareness, reflection and understanding.

Create opportunities for delegates to participate in workshops at BCWWA’s Annual Conference focused on efforts towards reconciliation, both in the water sector and beyond, and understand the role each of us plays in this process.

Connect with other professional associations to determine areas of potential collaboration and alignment to increase impact across the water sector.

Coordinate ways to involve and collaborate with Indigenous communities and leaders upon planning our conferences and events on traditional territories.

Solicit feedback from our water community on the ways members and partners can participate in the work of truth and reconciliation.

GET INVOLVED

Are you interested in contributing to the work being undertaken by the Reconciliation Committee? Would you be interested in attending future workshops and feedback sessions? If so, please contact Angelene at afellows@bcwwa.org.