CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: The Pope’s “pilgrimage of penance” in Canada this week is raising a lot of emotions for Indigenous people all over the country. If you are a non-Indigenous person looking for ways to support us during this difficult time, here are some ways to be an ally. Educate yourself Take a moment to research and understand the history of Indigenous Peoples through resources such as the Truth and Reconciliation report and the final report for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls for starters. Self-education creates a stronger awareness of colonial impact on Indigenous peoples, creates a safe space for Indigenous People to find solitude and comfort, and dismantles the need for Indigenous peoples to explain the very issues causing emotional setbacks. Support your Indigenous friends and colleagues Express your support through words of comfort. Letting your Indigenous friends and colleagues know that they have your support will provide reassurance as they go through times of grief. Amplify Indigenous voices It’s important to create space for Indigenous people to express themselves. Take a step back in situations where Indigenous people need to be the voice that is heard. This also means not speaking for Indigenous people on their behalf. Amplify Indigenous voices. Support Indigenous entrepreneurship and businesses Shop at your local Indigenous businesses. When you buy from Indigenous owned businesses, you’re not only supporting their business but in most cases, you’re supporting their family needs and personal goals and needs. Follow the Call to Actions in TRC report In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and contribute to reconciliation, the TRC provided 94 Calls to Actions related to various topics such as Business and Reconciliation, Museums and Archives, Education for reconciliation, and more. Take the time to read through the report. Visit: IndigenousTourismAlberta.ca for more. #reconciliation #destinationindigenous #indigenousvoices