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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
Equiflash
The official news of Canadian Actors' Equity Association
September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada
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:
Canadian Actors' Equity Association | 44 Victoria Street, 12th Floor, Toronto, ON M5C 3C4