Inuksuk (Inukshuk)

Inuksuk (also spelled inukshuk, plural inuksuit) is a figure made of piled stones or boulders constructed to communicate with humans throughout the Arctic. Traditionally constructed by the Inuit, inuksuit are integral to Inuit culture and are often intertwined with representations of Canada and the North. 1

A Self-Guided Journey

September 30 marks the day for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Truth And Reconciliation Calls To Action #92 highlights the need to:

“Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations.”

HRPA is responding by providing this self-guided learning experience with resources, activities and interactive sessions to further your ability to engage in conversations about and initiatives towards reconciliation. We would like to gratefully acknowledge the support and expertise of our advisor, Chantal Fraser. She has been instrumental in guiding and shaping this content experience.

The goal is to strengthen workplaces by establishing respectful connections and meaningfully embracing Indigenous cultures and teachings. 

We welcome you to reflect on each piece of learning. As you make your way through the materials, sit with what you learn and process the information at a pace that works for you. There is no need to rush your process or push through the materials. This learning is your journey to take; however, this learning experience takes about 5 or 6 hours to complete. You will accrue 1 CPD per hour of instruction to a maximum of 8 hours, under Category A, development activity A3. Details can be found on the CPD FAQs page. 

Thank you for joining us and taking this step on your own on your own path for truth and reconciliation.

Disclaimer: A note about this compilation 

This learning experience is by no means comprehensive. HRPA does not claim authority or expertise in the history of Indigenous events. This is a collection of perspectives and resources to build your understanding of truth and reconciliation and encourage you to continue your learning journey. Please send us your observations about any errors and your suggestions on how to improve this content to communications@hrpa.ca 

Help & Assistance 

If you feel a need to talk to someone, there is a National Residential School Crisis Line offers emotional support and crisis referral services for residential school Survivors and their families. Call the toll-free Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. This service is available 24/7.  

The Hope for Wellness Help Line also offers support to all Indigenous Peoples. Counsellors are available by phone or online chat. This service is available in English and French, and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.