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Land Affirmation

Volunteer Alberta’s main office is situated on Treaty 6 Territory, specifically, amiskwaciwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ) as it is referred to by the Plains Cree peoples among other Indigenous names, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. Our staff, board, and our work reach across Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, and we affirm that the land we call Alberta is the traditional and ancestral territory, as well as present-day homes of many Nations, including the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, the Tsuu T’ina Nation, and the Métis People of Alberta, which includes the Métis Settlements and the Six Regions of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Since time immemorial, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples have cared for these lands, and they continue to do so today. We encourage you to visit Native Land to learn more about the land and its Nations where you live, work, and play.

Volunteer Alberta identifies and affirms the historical and current relationships of these Nations to the land as an act of reconciliation and with the awareness that acknowledging, recognizing, or affirming these facts is a small step and not enough. Quoting Sheila Batacharya and Yuk-Lin Renita Wong, Sharing Breath (2018):

“This recognition of land theft, while important, is discursive and thus remains limited. Indeed, our determination, as [mostly] non-Indigenous inhabitants of … Turtle Island, to respect treaty relationships and acknowledge settler responsibility for the historical appropriation of Indigenous land is inescapably compromised, given that, in Canada, land can evidently be stolen and not returned provided you admit to wrongdoing, say you’re sorry, speak solemnly about the need for reconciliation, and continue to make promises that, in fact, have never materialized.”

Volunteer Alberta is committed to reflecting on, critiquing, and changing our ways of knowing, being, and doing in order to start supporting and concretely contributing to reconciliation and Indigenous Resurgence in ways we have not yet done.

The Volunteer Alberta Team
August 2023

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National Volunteer Week is happening April 14 – 20, 2024

Volunteer Alberta’s National Volunteer Week Enhancement Funding Grant Applications are now CLOSED. Thank you for applying!

Every April, Volunteer Canada leads the National Volunteer Week (NVW) campaign. NVW provides a chance to celebrate the vibrancy and impact of volunteerism in our communities and nationwide. This year’s theme is “Every Moment Matters,” emphasizing the importance of each volunteer and their unique contributions, particularly now, when support is needed more than ever. Volunteer Alberta, in partnership with the Government of Alberta, aims to support communities throughout the province in celebrating the outstanding contributions of volunteers, past, present, and future.

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As demographics rapidly shift, it’s crucial for organizational leaders to develop equity literacy and competence, with an aim to close the gaps in opportunities, support, and outcomes that exist due to factors based on one’s identity (such as race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation). Sometimes this work can be challenging, especially when there’s competing information, policies to decode, and issues that are emotionally charged. However, finding the right steps forward is essential for creating a truly inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Join us on May 16th (10 am – 12 pm MST) for a transformative session that will equip you with insights and strategies for fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within your organization. We are thrilled to welcome author, inclusion expert, and CEO of Anima Leadership, Annahid Dashtgard, as our guest speaker for what is sure to be an enlightening session. This is an unmissable opportunity for leaders committed to driving social change and building a more equitable and inclusive society.

Session Takeaways

• The essentials of EDI: what it is, why it matters, and how to implement it
• Systems thinking for EDI from a leadership perspective
• Key findings from a sector data survey and report on inclusion
• A stronger sense of community and clarity on steps forward

Ticket Information (excluding Eventbrite fees):

• $35 members (email membership@volunteeralberta.ab.ca for your discount code!)
• $45 non-members

A pay-what-you-can option is available for those who need it. Please contact us at info@volunteeralberta.ab.ca.

Prepare to leave this session with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer roadmap for implementing EDI principles in your work. Let’s move towards a more equitable and inclusive society together.

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