The Circle for Democratic Solidarity forms a community of citizens with the shared goal to improve our democracy, along with a shared love of this land.

As a community, our foremost commitment is to adhere to ethical guidelines that prioritize and uphold Indigenous rights. We require all volunteers engaging in research to pledge their commitment to the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and sign our mutual commitment, affirming our collective dedication to these fundamental values.

For all involved in the Remembering Project, we draw on traditions rooted in this land to guide our interactions. With thanks to Prof. Maya Chacaby, an Anishnaabe expert in movement building, we propose four guidelines drawn from the insights of bimaadiziwin (translated roughly as “right living”):

1.  Kindness (Zhawenjigewin)

   We commit to be kind to one another in all our interactions and to our fellow citizens. Social media has divided and embittered too many. Our goal should be to treat all fellow citizens with kindness no matter the level of disagreement, divergent interests and different worldviews.

2. Honesty (Gwayakwaadisiwin)

   We commit to remain true to ourselves as individuals. While remaining kind, we speak our truths and honour our view of how our society should function and the best version of what our country represents.

3. Sharing (Miigiwewin)

   Each of us brings unique abilities and passions to our work together and to our roles as citizens. The Circle for Democratic Solidarity will honour this diversity by helping members make the most of their gifts.

4. Courage (Zoongide’ewin)

   Making Canada more true to our aspirations as a democracy requires change. Members of the Circle for Democratic Solidarity commit to approaching change with an open mind, regardless of our attachment to the ways that came before. This may involve acknowledging our responsibility for harm done to our fellow citizens, and a determination to change course.