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June is National Indigenous History Month, which commemorates the contributions and efforts of Indigenous Peoples who have shaped Kanata, now known as Canada. Since Bench is headquartered in Canada, we celebrate June as a time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the ongoing contributions, history, heritage and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
For too long, the history of Canada’s Indigenous People has been forgotten, and we recognize the ongoing racism that Indigenous Peoples face everyday. Bench is committed to the representation of Indigenous Peoples and to uplift their voices in our workplace. We are committed to truth and reconciliation and recognize that we all have an active part to play in decolonization.
As part of this work in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action (specifically CTA #92) and the much longer Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, two things are true simultaneously. One, we have not prioritized our responsibility to the work of decolonization and indigenization of Bench as headquartered on Coast Salish land. And for this, we deeply apologize. Two, we are committed to change and have begun our long journey in two key ways.
How Bench is taking a stand
Our first focus at Bench is to reflect on the impacts of colonialism through self-education in order to be accountable to Indigenous Peoples and take ownership of our transformation. Our second focus over this next year in particular will be to explore a partnership with First Nations Technology Council in an official capacity so that we might have guidance in catapulting us into this long journey of reconciliation.
Bench acknowledges that our learning and support for Indigenous Peoples extends beyond this month and we are committed to celebrating Indigenous Peoples every day.
We thank those who still live on and care for this land.
Resources
Follow the links below as we celebrate National Indigenous History Month:
