National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | 2022

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

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PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY

Seeds of RECONCILIATION

Bonnie Loewen and Grace Schedler work in partnership for Circles for Reconciliation.

the other non-Indigenous,” says Schedler, a member of God’s Lake Narrows Cree Nation. “Every area of our work has that partnership, even the website design. It’s all balanced out.” Likewise, Loewen points out the link between recon- ciliation and relationships.

“I remember witnessing a powerful moment — a mo- ment I would call a seed of reconciliation. We were asked to rid ourselves of the condescension and the shame of silence and pity,” she says. “We were asked to be witnesses of a horrific truth that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have long known and understood. We were asked to take respon- sibility for our own healing.” Similarly, Schedler feels optimistic about the impacts that continue to ripple outwards. “We have a lot of non-Indigenous allies who are waiting to go into these circles. That’s hopeful,” says Schedler, who envisions a continuous expansion into schools. “This is going to go to participants’ supper tables and circles of friends. It has changed a lot of people. It’s go- ing to be slow because of what needs to be done, but at least it’s working. It’s helping.” To learn more about Circles for Reconciliation, or to get involved, visit www.circlesforreconciliation.ca or call toll- free 1-866-794-2017.

By Jennifer McFee A reconciliation initiative is coming full circle through its efforts to enhance understanding and foster relationships across the country. Circles for Reconciliation took root in Win- nipeg after the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report in 2015 followed by nine months of consultations with Indigenous leaders. The organization’s mission is to “create and maintain mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people — the very definition of rec- onciliation by the commissioners.” To achieve this goal, the organizers create small groups, or circles, made up of 10 participants — five who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis and another five who are non-Indigenous. Two trained facilitators, one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous, lead the groups in 90-minute meetings over 10 weeks to discuss various themes related to reconciliation. This balanced format stems from the concept that equal participation can help build relationships based on mutual recognition, respect and responsibility. Cul- tural teachings of sharing circles serve as the basis for the circular setup. The first gathering starts with a chance for partici- pants to get to know each other before delving into themes such as dispelling misconceptions and intergen- erational trauma. After that, participants discuss which themes they would like to explore at the next meeting. There is no cost to participants in the circles, which have the potential to shift perspectives, open hearts and change minds. The program aims to educate and bolster awareness to Canadians in all sectors of society — and to encourage them to engage or implement at least one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. As of July 15, 2022, about 3,000 people have partici- pated in the program, both in person and through vir- tual formats across the country. Of the three founding partners, Ingrid Dowan re- mains active alongside Grace Schedler, Bonnie Loewen and Terry Harris. Although much work still needs to be done in a multi- tude of areas, Dowan sees successes to celebrate. “We are gaining exposure on reconciliation allyship,” Dowan says. “That’s the big picture.” For Schedler, the importance of partnership is evi- dent in all areas of the program. “Everyone in circles has a partner — one Indigenous,

In my own walk of being reconciled to this hard story, hands down the most important part is friendship.”

Bonnie Loewen, —Circles for Reconciliation

“In my own walk of being reconciled to this hard sto- ry, hands down the most important part is friendship,” says Loewen, who comes from a non-Indigenous back- ground. “For me, it’s quite a profound journey that we walk together and I’m strengthened by it. There’s a road that we travel to create that trust.” A December 2021 survey sought feedback from par- ticipants who had completed their last circle meeting at least six months prior. In total, 109 former participants provided insights into the program and its ongoing im- pact. One respondent summed up the experience by say- ing that Circles for Reconciliation created an urgency to become an agent of change. Other respondents in- dicated that they were continuing to engage in recon- ciliation in a variety of forms, including activist work, volunteer work, personal learning and continued rela- tionships with other participants. Positive experiences also percolate with Loewen, who recalls when a First Nations participant shared thoughts after the bodies of 215 children were con- firmed on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Resi- dential School.

We honour the survivors, their families and the children who never made it home

NIKI ASHTON Member of Parliament Churchill—Keewatinook Aski Niki.Ashton@parl.gc.ca 1-866-785-0522

LEAH GAZAN Member of Parliament Winnipeg Centre Leah.Gazan@parl.gc.ca 204-984-1675

DANIEL BLAIKIE Member of Parliament Elmwood—Transcona Daniel.Blaikie@parl.gc.ca 204-984-2499

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