About

We Are First Voice

Launched in 2019 by First Light in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada, First Voice is a coalition of Indigenous Peoples, service providers, and all levels of government working together to advance truth and reconciliation in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. We envision a world where the inherent rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador are respectfully recognized and actively supported by all.

Our work focuses on promoting and supporting local implementation of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). These national and international documents have shaped our approach to truth and reconciliation, as reflected in our 42 Calls for Change.

First Voice is led by the Partnership Table and is governed by our Coalition Charter and Code of Conduct. Our name reflects the self-determining principle that meaningful action on urban Indigenous issues requires prioritizing the values, perspectives, and lived experiences of First Peoples.