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Growing Understanding

  • Feb 19, 2024
  • Social
  • ESG Updates

Employees from the Mint’s Ottawa Boutique attended the 2023 Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering (IHHG), hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC).

Held during Indigenous History Month, the IHHG brings together diverse groups from across the country who are working to amplify the distinct stories of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. Community members developing history and heritage projects, including commemorative histories such as the Mint, were also invited to participate. 

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Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake

Employees from the Mint’s Ottawa Boutique attended the 2023 Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering (IHHG), hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC).

Held during Indigenous History Month, the IHHG brings together diverse groups from across the country who are working to amplify the distinct stories of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. Community members developing history and heritage projects, including commemorative histories such as the Mint, were also invited to participate. 

Mint employees Christopher Ward and Salim El Rhaffari at the 2023 IHHG in Ottawa

The Mint’s Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake was displayed at the event. First launched in 2022, the Keepsake honours the more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children who were taken from their families and forced to attend Residential, Day and Boarding Schools across Canada; acknowledges the intergenerational impacts; and invites reflection on how Canadians can meet the challenge of reconciliation in our everyday lives. All net proceeds from the sale of the Keepsake support the work of the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund, established by the NCTR, which assists Survivors and their communities carry out healing and commemoration activities. To date, nearly $150,000 has been raised through this initiative.

Christopher Ward said attending IHHG was a great learning opportunity.

Several delegates came by our table and said what a fantastic piece of work we'd created. It was so fascinating hearing some of their stories and listening to them tell stories from where they were from! I was very proud to say I work at the Mint.

Christopher Ward said attending IHHG was a great learning opportunity.

Amber Van Der Hoeven (Supervisor, Retail)

This gathering is one of the many important events held during Indigenous History Month in Ottawa. The connections built were very special and I'm pleased with our staff's participation and representation of the Mint.

Amber Van Der Hoeven (Supervisor, Retail)

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2022 Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake

This keepsake represents a past that must never be forgotten, and
a better future we can all build together.

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The Mint’s Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake will continue to be available until December 2024. Learn more at: Truth & Reconciliation | The Royal Canadian Mint