Reconciliation in Action: A Little Intentional Uprooting

In the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation, there often exists a gap between intentions, words or?thoughts and meaningful action. The Reconciliation Action Plan at Pearson College UWC - Official Page is ambitious and aims to constantly take positive steps forward that outnumber those which are sideways or in complete honesty, occasionally backwards. One of the ongoing ways that we have taken action – and that others can too – is in the stewardship of the land itself through the removal of invasive species from the land we occupy. ?

During the recent UWC Day on September 21, 2024, the theme of Together We Change united the actions of 18 schools and colleges, +150 National Committees, more than 60,000 UWC alumni and countless more friends, families and supporters of the movement to put our shared mission into motion. At Pearson College, student-led initiatives ranged from monitoring local sea kelp forests and working with frontline harm reduction workers in Victoria, to rebuilding local hiking trails and more. Although we do our best to cast the reconciliation lens on all of our efforts, it was the actions of our Student Alliance for Old Growth who committed to removing two invasive species from campus that really had me thinking deeply about the connection between good intentions and reconciliatory actions. ?

A few hours spent removing an imported, uninvited invasive species is rife with symbolism and metaphor. Showing collective and deep respect for the ecosystems that have sustained Indigenous cultures for millennia, especially those from Sc’ianew/Beecher Bay on whose land we live, learn and play on at Pearson College, is one way to convert intention into a way to give back to the land that has been taking care of its people for a very long time.

Invasive species like Scotch Broom and English Ivy can dominate landscapes, displacing native plants that are integral to the cultural and ecological health of the land; removing them is difficult, but a worthwhile effort, nonetheless. By removing these species, we are engaging in a tangible form of environmental restoration, which serves as both an ecological and cultural healing process. ?

Invasive species removal is more than just an environmental issue—it’s an act of respect, partnership, and healing.

Invasive species removal is more than just an environmental issue—it’s an act of respect, partnership, and healing. By restoring the land to its natural state, communities can honour their commitment to reconciliation, fostering understanding, and creating a sustainable future rooted in respect for Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

Honoured to have just spent time at the South Island Powwow this past weekend on Truth and Reconciliation Day, and having witnessed so many young Indigenous children in their full regalia with smiles on their faces, I am hopeful that we can continue to move forward together if we keep converting well intentioned thoughts into meaningful action. ?

I invite you to take a moment to learn about whatever is growing in your community that shouldn’t be and do a little uprooting to give back to the land.

In the spirit of Author Jo Chrona’s call to take responsibility for our own learning from her incredible book Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies – wherever you live – I invite you to take a moment to learn about whatever is growing in your community that shouldn’t be and do a little uprooting to give back to the land. ?

Let me know in the comments what you are intentionally uprooting and why.