Earlier this year, Shaughnessy Heights United Church began “Reconciliation Matters”, an initiative that we hope may be of interest to other congregations. We are willing to share our resources and experiences and to learn from others.
“Reconciliation Matters” aims to continue the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation event in Vancouver and the Reconciliation Canada Walks in September 2013.
As the United Church of Canada’s Comprehensive Review Task Force (2015) states: “The church place a high priority on building relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people based on mutuality, respect, and equity, and that the church continue to live out its apologies to Aboriginal people.”
Called by this social justice process, SHUC Outreach introduced Phase I of “Reconciliation Matters” in May 2015 with a sermon and “second hour” talk by Rev. Alf Dumont, currently elder in residence and advisor at BCIT. His topic was Aboriginal “Medicine Wheel” teachings and included a residential school film followed by discussion.
Next steps outlined opportunities for the congregation to gain a better understanding of past and recent histories, develop appreciation of what “reconciliation” means – to see, hear and feel and then reflect upon building right relationships. Our librarian put together a First Nations book display in a special area in our library and hall.
To assist the congregation in keeping notes of about their experiences, two journals were developed – one for adults and one for children. Suggestions for what to look for, think about and feel were included in the journals and children were encouraged to record this in drawings, words or photos.
Opportunities for learning included:
Visiting “cesna?em, the city before the city” in all three participating museums
Attending the SHUC picnic and tour of Musqueam in June
Visiting the Bill Reid Gallery and attending public talks by Beau Dick who tells stories about the masks and First Nations peoples
Attending the Firehall production “God and the Indian”
Vancouver Public Library Aboriginal Story Teller in Residence, Sharon Shorty, public events
Young people’s volunteer summer church camp activities in Hazelton and Gizegukla
October 2015 – Rev. Ray Aldred, Director, Vancouver School of Theology Indigenous Studies Centre, was the guest preacher
Further plans include:
October 29, 2015 – Bill Reid Gallery new exhibit opens – “Gwaii Haanas: Land Sea People
November 2015 – Rev Alf Dumont and film on Residential Schools and Reconciliation
November 2015 – view “Haida Gwaii: On the Edge of the World” – to be premiered on Knowledge Network – acclaimed at VIFF 2015
January 2016 – “Stickboy”, a production of Vancouver Opera in the School
February 2016 – continue working with Mary Pointe, Musqueam, to plan a feast for February 28 catered by Musqueam to share with each other and First Nations witnesses what we saw, heard, felt and reflected upon in the past months.
Phase II of “Reconciliation Matters” will be shaped by the witnessing ceremony at the February feast with the Musqueam, congregational input and follow-up by the Outreach Committee. Please consider joining with us in an all-encompassing United Church ministry intended to strengthen relationships among Aboriginal peoples everywhere.
Shaughnessy Heights United Church picnic at Musqueam Cultural Centre in June 2014
For more information, please click here to contact Reconciliation Canada.
Heather Clarke is a long time member of Shaughnessy Heights United Church, an active member of its Outreach Committee and past Council Member. She has been involved in nursing and health care related to First Nations Peoples for many years and has volunteered for Reconciliation Canada, including the historical rainy “walk” in Vancouver. Heather is currently Chancellor of the Vancouver School of Theology and a member of VST’s Native Ministry Consortium.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of Reconciliation Canada.
First year law student Bobby Sangha reflects on the meaning of reconciliation for his fellow law students and others in the legal profession. Bobby was inspired to write about these challenges and possibilities after hearing Reconciliation Canada’s Chief Robert Joseph speak at his university.
He writes: “At the heart of [Chief Robert] Joseph’s lecture was not only a desire to speak of the problems of the past or contemporary issues, but a desire to inspire change for the future. He challenged every incoming law student with the task of finding his or her own way to build a better community, no matter how big or small.”
Read the rest of Bobby’s article here at Canadian Lawyer Magazine.
Bobby Sangha is a first year student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law, located at the UBC Vancouver campus. He is a member of several law school organizations dedicated towards social justice initiatives including the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program and the Legal Education Outreach. Prior to attending law school, Bobby earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Political Science and History, spent time as an editor for UBC’s Journal of International Affairs and served as a mentor to incoming undergraduate students.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of Reconciliation Canada.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who visited our Election 2015 Resource page, everyone who shared our resources and responses we sent to parties, and everyone who reached out to friends, family and community members to engage on reconciliation topics throughout Election 2015.
We would like to offer our congratulations to the Liberal Party, and to all MPs who have been elected. We thank the Bloc Québécois, the Liberal Party, the Green Party and the New Democratic Party for responding to our election questions and sharing their plans for reconciliation.
Although the 42nd Canadian general election has now wrapped up, we urge you to contact your newly elected representative and learn about their plans for reconciliation. Canadians are engaged, and they are looking for answers and action on reconciliation. Reconciliation moving forward requires all people to participate in the conversation, and it is crucial that elected officials take steps to further reconciliation in your community.
And the North Vancouver District Public Library is committed to supporting that process through connecting community, fostering knowledge and inspiring stories.
After the Truth and Reconciliation’s closing events in June, our NVDPL Librarians wondered how this work could be carried forward into our own community, echoing the theme of the closing events that “the ending is just the beginning.” The commitment to support reconciliation was put into action on September 10th at the Lynn Valley Library with An Evening in Honour of the Community Commitment to Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation.
The September 10 event was developed in partnership with Reconciliation Canada, and included support from the North Vancouver Museum and Archives. Over 60 guests from across the North Shore attended this culmination, so-to-speak, of the Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Executive Summary Pledge Project held at the Library throughout the summer. All three NVDPL locations (Parkgate, Capilano and Lynn Valley) had since the release of the report featured Pledge Boards, resource displays and copies of the TRC Executive Summary.
The evening began with Sanford Osler, a Trustee with the Library Board, welcoming guests and acknowledging that the event was taking place on the shared traditional territory of the Squamish and Tseil-Waututh First Nations. Special guest speaker Shelley Joseph, Cultural and Wellness Advisor at Reconciliation Canada, then addressed the attendees and spoke on having the courage to dialogue—an important and imperative step on the journey to Reconciliation. The evening also included the screening of key film clips, meaningful group discussions, and an open-mic portion, where local community members of all organizations and affiliations could take their turns to share their experiences and feelings. Attendees were privileged to hear heartfelt words from both Councillor Joseph of the Squamish Nation and Councillor George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, as well as hear personal stories from Barbara Kelly of the NVDPL, and Nancy Kirkpatrick of the North Vancouver Museum and Archives. It takes understanding of what has been before in order to move forward—so that the children of generations to come can grow up in a more inclusive Canadian community. The meaningful speeches and discussions shared on September 10 formed a bridge to some understanding between all guests. The event was, as Nancy Kirkpatrick, Director of the North Vancouver Museum and Archives put it, “but one step in an ongoing journey.”
With that, we’ll finish as we started: Reconciliation is a process. And there is opportunity for the NVDPL, as well as all libraries, to play a vital role on this important road to a reconciled Canada.
You can still make the pledge to read the TRC Executive Summary at any NVDPL Branch, or on our website at www.nvdpl.ca/TRC_Pledge.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of Reconciliation Canada.
We’re delighted to welcome you to the new Reconciliation Canada blog! This is a space for sharing the perspectives of individuals with stories to tell. We’ll also be keeping you up to date with reconciliation news, reflections and current events from across Canada.
A Look Back
Over the past three years, Reconciliation Canada has worked to build a national dialogue on reconciliation. Discussion and dialogue form a very important part of our work. We believe that through sharing and discussing our views, feelings and beliefs, our understanding of each other can be deepened and our relationships can be revitalised and strengthened. We also believe that reconciliation requires the ability to open up to diverse perspectives and difficult conversations.
We’ve been honoured to have worked with a range of incredible projects across the country. From school children to elders, we’ve been inspired by the stories that people have told us and the reconciliation work that they have done – and continue to do. We hope that, by sharing these stories, this blog will help to inspire other people on their own reconciliation journeys.
A Look Ahead
This blog is a space for you to join the conversation. We welcome blog posts on a variety of topics, and are particularly interested to hear about reconciliation projects in your local community, school or organisation. We’d also love to hear from individuals who are combining personal transformation with action.
If you’re interested in contributing to our blog, please drop us an email at [email protected] and tell us what you’d like to talk about in your post. Please include “Reconciliation Canada Blog Submission” as your subject line. We welcome written articles, videos, photographs and artwork.
As a survivor of the St. Michaels Indian Residential School, Chief Joseph endured several hardships as a young boy. Despite his deep struggles, Chief Joseph persevered and dedicated his life to bridging the differences brought about by intolerance, lack of understanding, and racism. Through his work as the Ambassador of Reconciliation Canada, he not only inspired 70,000 British Columbians to show their commitment to reconciliation at the Walk for Reconciliation, but also built a national movement that is dedicated to the vision of a vibrant inclusive Canada where every child can reach their full potential.
Chief Joseph’s compassionate and peaceful approach to reconciliation not only inspires new hope and optimism for residential school survivors and their families, but also encourages reconciliation among Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians.
The 2016 Indspire Awards gala will be held on February 12, 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.
Indspire is an Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. The Indspire Awards have celebrated the significant contributions of Indigenous people in Canada for 23 years and recognize the success of individuals who have the discipline, drive, and determination to set high standards and accomplish their goals.
All of us at Reconciliation Canada are extremely proud of Chief Joseph and we congratulate all of this year’s Indspire Awards recipients.
Click here for more information on the 2016 Indspire Awards.
On August 27, Reconciliation Canada reached out to the leaders of Canada’s five major parties with questions on how their party will move forward with reconciliation. This is a critical moment for all peoples in Canada. More Canadians than ever before are beginning to understand the current realities of the Indian Residential School legacy. We hope that by asking these important questions during the election campaign, we can maintain the national dialogue on reconciliation, promote leadership and action moving forward, and help individuals make informed decisions during the 2015 Canadian federal election.
We asked party leaders to answer the following questions:
What steps will your party take to create a deeper understanding of the current realities of the Indian Residential School legacy for all Canadians?
What steps will your party take to move forward with reconciliation among Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians?
What steps will your party take to achieve economic parity between Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians?
We encourage you to share these questions with your local candidates to find out how they will move forward with reconciliation in your community.
We have asked that parties submit their responses to us by September 28. All responses will be listed in the order they are received.
Have you visited our Election 2015 Resource Page? This page aims to raise awareness of reconciliation topics in the upcoming election and includes information on how to make sure your voice is heard on election day. Check it out here!
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) release of the long anticipated report was celebrated with an exciting event at the Simon Fraser University Goldcorp Centre for the Arts in Downtown Vancouver. The event – a panel discussion representing a diversity of Canadian voices – was to explore and reflect on the TRC’s legacy, and future of reconciliation in Canada.
Although representing many communities, the panelists all voiced a message of hope with respect to moving forward after the close of the TRC; there was a collective vision that the lessons from the TRC can be applied across Canadian society to build stronger, more tolerant and engaged communities.
After an inspiring introduction and welcome to Coast Salish Territory by Chief Ian Campbell, each of the esteemed panelists came forward and presented their views and vision for reconciliation in Canada.
This panel event was joined by notable community leaders Linda Morris, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Member and Community Engagement, Vancity; Honorary Witness Robbie Waisman; Honorary Witness Mayor Gregor Robertson; Jodie Wilson-Reybould, former BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief; Honorary Witness David Wong; Reverend Mary Fontaine, Hummingbird Ministries and Doug White, Director, Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation, Vancouver Island University.
Jodie Wilson-Reybould was hopeful that the TRC’s work would act as a lens to help Canadians to empathize, and that it could act as a catalyst for change.
Honorary Witnesses Robbie Waisman and David Wong emphasized the importance of sharing experiences of resilience and reconciliation, and how these stories can resonate across communities.
Doug White highlighted the point that social change is not just about denouncing what we don’t want, but building and supporting the things that we do.
The event highlighted that all Canadians play a key role in reconciliation, and that reconciliation is a process which will not end with the report’s release. Many of the panelists spoke about the accomplishments of the TRC, but the there was a firm agreement that there is still a great deal left to be done, and that all Canadians can play a role.
Reconciliation Canada would like to extend our appreciation to all those who supported this event. We thank all of the attendees, sponsors, panelists, volunteers and other individuals who made this events possible. We are proud to be involved in such engaging events that foster understanding, dialogue and community building.
We offer our sincere gratitude to the sponsors who made this panel discussion possible.
It is 9am on Sunday, May 31, 2015, and a crowd has gathered at the Sheraton Wall Centre Courtyard in downtown Vancouver. More than 3000km away, the historic Walk for Reconciliation has just begun its journey from École secondaire de l’Île in Gatineau towards downtown Ottawa. The crowd in Vancouver watches in anticipation as a sacred fire is lit, unifying Canadians coast-to-coast-to-coast in support of Indian Residential Schools survivors in their ongoing journeys towards healing and reconciliation.
This was the beginning of the day-long event, Reconciliation Matters: a series of special observations organized to coincide with the closing events of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United Church clergy worked in collaboration with Reconciliation Canada to host these events and to bring together Canadians from many traditions and backgrounds.
As the sacred fire burned in the Sheraton Wall Centre Courtyard, the events progressed over the street for an ecumenical service at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church. The service focussed on confession and acknowledgment of the harms inflicted through the Indian Residential School system.
Following the service, the congregations were greeted by a community street fair in the Sheraton Wall Centre Courtyard surrounding the sacred fire. The street fair featured live music from Sister Says, a soulful genre-bending pop duo with Haida and Tsimshian roots, Indigenous artisans, and educational booths and displays from local community and cultural organizations.
Elder Ruth Adams from Tsawwassen First Nation offered a Coast Salish Welcome to the territory, and was followed by guest speakers Doug White, Director, Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation at Vancouver Island University and former Chief of Snuneymuxw First Nation, and City of Vancouver Deputy Mayor Raymond Louie. Both White and Louie reiterated the need for all Canadians to contribute meaningful action towards reconciliation.
The day culminated with the Blanket Exercise; an interactive activity that encourages participants to rethink the timeline of Canadian history through the lenses of colonialism, treaty-making and resistance. The exercise highlights significant events and demonstrates the impact of colonialism on individuals, families, and cultures.
Participants rounded off the day with an Ecumenical Prayer Service held at First Baptist Church, once again providing an opportunity for Canadians from all walks of life to come together and to learn about their role in reconciliation.
Reconciliation Canada is proud to collaborate with Vancouver’s Ecumenical community to mark the significance of the closing of the TRC. We are truly grateful for the generosity of all of the partners and organizations that made this possible.
Collaborating Partners on Reconciliation Matters: Anglican and United Church Archives, Central Presbyterian Church, Christ Church, Anglican Cathedral, City of Vancouver, First Baptist Church, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, St. Andrews-Wesley, United Church, and Reconciliation Canada.
