A Message to APEGA’s Indigenous Members

As more horrifying evidence of cultural genocide is being uncovered at former residential schools, APEGA joins our Indigenous members and all Indigenous Peoples in grief.

Words and condolences aren’t enough—true reconciliation requires action. These are your children, your families, and your communities. While we can never comprehend the depth of the trauma you feel, we commit to working alongside our Indigenous members and their communities to grow as an ally.

APEGA recognizes the land on which we work and live was the traditional homeland and gathering place of many Indigenous Peoples for many centuries. Albertans have an important role to play in addressing the truth of our country’s past and present with Indigenous communities, which starts with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

As APEGA moves forward as a regulator that supports equity, diversity, and inclusion in the engineering and geoscience professions, we commit to listening with our heads and our hearts to learn and understand your stories.

The provincial government has created the Residential Schools Community Research Grant. Through this grant, Indigenous communities and organizations can apply for funding to conduct research, explore potential unmarked burial sites using ground-penetrating radar, and place memorials.

If you are a survivor or family member affected by the residential schools, you can call the National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 for support. It’s available 24/7.