In 2020, ISSofBC launched Welcome to our Homelands, an engaging seven-minute video and study guide that targets newcomers and provides them with a jumping-off point for learning more about the First Peoples of Canada. Today, ISSofBC launched the next phase, which includes translation into Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Punjabi. ISSofBC remains committed to increasing newcomer education and awareness on Truth and Reconciliation.
The video and study guide introduce viewers – particularly newcomers – to the vast richness of Indigenous people’s values and views, and provides helpful information, links and terminology to increase awareness of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The translation of the resources will make these important lessons more accessible to a wider range of newcomers in British Columbia.
We launched this resource today with a live-streamed conversation between Kamala Todd, Welcome to Our Homelands writer, director and editor, and Jonathan Oldman, ISSofBC CEO. View the conversation recording here.
“Indigenous people’s voices and truths are so important to getting to know these lands now known as Canada. It was a privilege to weave together these stories of the beauty and diversity of our languages, lands, knowledge, and resilience—I’m so grateful that more people will be able to witness and share in this expression of welcome.” – Kamala Todd, Welcome to Our Homelands write, director and editor
“We’re very pleased and humbled to be able to launch this next phase of the Welcome to our Homelands initiative. This is a small but important part of our work to enhance newcomers’ knowledge of Canada’s Indigenous peoples and support for Truth and Reconciliation – a process we understand needs to continue and deepen. We offer our sincerest thanks to our partners and collaborators who have made this possible.” – Jonathan Oldman, ISSofBC CEO
View all videos and study guides below:
- Arabic – Video / Study Guide
- Chinese – Video / Study Guide
- English – Video / Study Guide
- Farsi – Video / Study Guide
- Korean – Video / Study Guide
- Punjabi – Video / Study Guide
- Spanish – Video / Study Guide
View additional Truth and Reconciliation Resources here.
