Despite Equity's usual practice of refraining from commentary on issues outside the jurisdiction of the Association, on behalf of our members, we want to acknowledge September 30,
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. As an Association, Equity stands alongside our fellow Canadians as we pause to recognize and reflect upon the legacy of colonialism and residential schools in Canada and the continuing impact they have on the communities that they affected.
The labour movement has a central tenet that all individuals are equal and deserving of respect and fair
treatment. Equity believes this is applicable in every aspect of our industry, our organization, and our
communities.
Article 10.01 in the recently ratified
Canadian Theatre Agreement (and the mirror
Independent Theatre Agreement) states:
10:01 Acknowledging Systemic Oppression and Exclusion
The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and Equity acknowledge that
Canadian theatre, and the Canadian Theatre Agreement, evolved from a patriarchal,
Eurocentric tradition that has contributed to widespread discrimination and exclusion of a
range of people and practices. PACT and Equity are committed to redressing systemic
exclusion in our shared theatre ecology, and to expanding engagement opportunities for
Artists who identify with historically underrepresented groups, so that the practice of theatre
honours and reflects the wide diversity of performance, processes, bodies, and identities in
our society.
It is additionally acknowledged that theatre in Canada is practiced on the traditional lands of
First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation, and that settler artists and institutions have
benefitted from colonial structures and systemic racism to the detriment and exclusion of
Indigenous artists and art practices. PACT and Equity further commit to building respectful
relationships with Indigenous communities through listening, learning, collaboration, and the
meaningful sharing of resources.
We further declare Equity's commitment as we continue to negotiate agreements and review our internal
engagement policies, to include protections for cultural safety and protocols to support Indigenous artists
working within our jurisdiction (e.g., smudging, use of cultural consultancy as required, etc.).
Additionally, Equity calls upon the federal government to act upon the
94 Calls to Action of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission, mobilizing all levels of government, organizations and individuals to make
concrete changes in society.
Resources and services for Indigenous community members: