Sep 29, 2016
It’s early on Sunday, September 25th, 2016. The sky is a deep black, and a cool breeze carries the ocean spray and mist across the sand and driftwood. We are at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver, on the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation.
Several figures are gathered beneath a tent, pinning blankets with woven pouches and banknotes. A few metres towards the water, fire-keepers are making their final preparations.
This is a significant morning. This is the morning of Igniting Reconciliation: Lighting the Sacred Fire. This ceremony, a traditional sunrise sacred fire ceremony, marks the beginning of Reconciliation Canada’s activities planned for 2017. This is a crucial year in the history of this country: 2017 marks 150 years since Canadian confederation. This coming year provides us with a unique opportunity for reflection and the chance to build new relationships that contribute to our collective well-being. The sacred fire will serve as a beacon of light to guide all people in Canada through the activities that are to be held throughout 2017. It is a way to mark the significance of the coming year and to ensure it begins with the best attitudes and intentions. bahsine
Shortly before sunrise, a crowd begins to gather. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds, and include Elders, Survivors and spiritual leaders, as well as representatives from Indigenous, youth, multicultural and multi-faith communities and organizations. Those gathered have accepted the vital responsibility of bearing witness to the ceremony, and carrying the messages received into their wider community.
At 6:30am, the fire-keepers call the crowd together and the ceremony begins.
The smoke from the fire gently surrounds us. Slowly, the sky turns to a cool, calm silver. The sun has risen and the ceremony is complete. The crowd begins to disperse, smiling and reflecting on the teachings of the ceremony. The weight of responsibility of acting as a witness is lightened by the support silently offered by those gathered.
Following the ceremony, those gathered made their way to the Chief Joe Mathias Centre for a shared meal.
As the crowd thins, the Reconciliation Canada team takes down the tent, folds the chairs and tables, and leaves the beach. Although no trace of the ceremony remains, the important messages and teachings stir us, and will remain with us throughout 2017. There is much work to be done, but this sacred fire will guide us through the activities of the coming year.
We express our deepest appreciation to the Coast Salish peoples for their generosity and leadership in hosting this ceremony, and we extend our gratitude to all those who made this ceremony possible. Güvenilir bahis siteleri
Igniting Reconciliation: Lighting the Sacred Fire was a Canada 150 Countdown Activation and part of the two-year initiative, Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work in partnership with the Government of Canada in this area of national significance.
Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy,
a Canada 150 Signature Project, is funded in part by the Government of Canada
Réconciliation en action : une stratégie d’engagement nationale
est un projet de premier plan de Canada 150. Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada.
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Learn more about Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy here.
Sep 22, 2016
The sun may be shining in Vancouver today, but my mind is drawn back to a much stormier day three years ago. On this day in 2013, the rain poured down in Vancouver and a sea of umbrellas filled the downtown streets, as thousands of people walked for reconciliation in Canada. When Reconciliation Canada was founded in 2012, we set out to bring together 50,000 people to join us for Canada’s first ever Walk for Reconciliation. On September 22, 2013, 70,000 people joined us for the Walk for Reconciliation, demonstrating the insatiable desire for renewed and revitalized relationships held by so many people in Canada.
Since that day, we have witnessed a shift in the consciousness of Canadian society. The legacy of the Indian Residential School system is now understood by more people in Canada than ever before. However, there is still work to be done. Reconciliation Canada has launched Reconciliation in Action: A National Engagement Strategy, a two-year initiative designed to examine and document perceptions, actions and aspirations of Canadians in relation to reconciliation. This narrative will recognize our common history, highlight current achievements and create hope for the next 150 years. We are humbled by the opportunity to continue to engage all people in Canada in the reconciliation process, and we have several exciting initiatives planned to mark Canada’s 150th in 2017. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved!
We would like to extend our gratitude to all of the partners and supporters who made the Walk for Reconciliation in 2013 possible. Most of all, we would like to thank everyone who joined us on that day. Each one of you helped carry the voice of reconciliation into communities across Canada, and continues to make change in the lives of people across the country.
Gilakasla.
Sep 20, 2016
By David Ng, Outreach Coordinator, Theatre for Living
I am very excited that Theatre for Living’s Mainstage production early next year, šxʷʔamət (home), intends to look at issues related to our struggle and journey’s towards Reconciliation. Why?
The book, My Name is Seepeetza, was my first introduction to the legacy of residential schools in Canada. I remember reading it in 1998, when I was 12 years old – and horrified to hear that this is how Indigenous children my age were treated in the Residential School system … but I didn’t really fully understand my own relationship (as a child of Chinese immigrants) to the colonial system in Canada that enforced this violent system of assimilation.
Racist attitudes towards First Nations communities are rampant in my own community that I grew up in. This attitude of “well, we escaped war and poverty, and now made our lives better – why can’t they?” is very pervasive. I’ve learned that for me, part of my own struggle and journey towards reconciliation is recognizing that these deeply entrenched attitudes within my own immigrant community are a part of the systemic issues that reinforce the violence that is directed to Indigenous people in Canada.
After all the proclamations, apologies, and policies from the government to address reconciliation with Indigenous people in Canada … what does reconciliation look and feel like on the ground? Is it just another form of assimilation? How do we ensure it is honourable?
The project will be created and performed by Indigenous and non-indigenous people living the issues, and will be directed by David Diamond, and Associate Director Renae Morriseau. All participants and cast are paid a living wage – no acting experience is required. The only requirement is lived experiences in the journey towards Reconciliation.
Are you interested in contributing to the process by sharing your own journey towards Reconciliation?
Apply now to be a part of šxʷʔamət (home)!
Workshop dates: Jan 30th – Feb 4th, 2017
Rehearsals: Feb 7th – 26th, 2017
Play: 11 performances, March 3 – 11th, 2017 (with a preview on March 2nd) at the Firehall Arts Centre.
To apply, email me, Theatre for Living’s Outreach Coordinator, David Ng ([email protected]), your application, which consists of the two questions below. The deadline for applications is Oct 21st.
- We want real diversity in the room, so tell us who you are, and anything else you want us to know about you!
- What is your journey towards reconciliation? What are the blockages that you think exist? Share with us your story, your lived experiences with Reconciliation, and what it means to you?
There is no right or wrong answer to these questions – we are looking for your own personal lived experiences and expertise.
Please share this post with any one you think might be interested in participating in šxʷʔamət (home).
For more information, please visit this link, or email our Outreach Coordinator, David Ng, at [email protected] or phone the office 604-871-0508
Please keep in mind that the work is physical work – meaning it uses the physical language of the theatre to engage with the issues we are investigating. It does not involve verbal storytelling/testimonials, or flipcharts.
David Ng
David Ng is a queer, feminist, social justice advocate who has been actively involved in grassroots campaigning since he was 14 years old. He has since worked on numerous campaigns and projects including youth sexual health initiatives, feminist anti-violence campaigns, anti racist projects, and other forms of fun, radical, anti-oppression work. Some of the projects he has worked on has included co-creating marketing and media for the book Picturing Transformation: Nexw-áyantsut – a book about a solidarity movement between First Nations and non-First Nations communities, as well as film editing for the Circles of Understanding residential school story project. He is the co-founder of the feminist and anti-racist solidarity blog LoveIntersections.com.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of Reconciliation Canada.
Aug 25, 2016
Two years ago, Natasha Pittman arrived in Alert Bay, British Columbia with a desire to reconnect with her ‘Namgis roots. As a child caught in the tail end of the notorious “Sixties Scoop”, a dark period of Canadian history from the 1960s to the mid-1980s in which Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and placed in foster homes or adoption with non-Indigenous families, Natasha grew up in Ontario, far from her traditional territory. The decision to move out to Alert Bay, a remote island community off the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, was “a real spur of the moment decision”.
“I wanted to find out more about my nation, more about me,” explains Natasha. “I decided it would be beneficial to immerse myself in my culture.”
Prior to the move, Natasha spent eleven years working in salons and built a reputation as a talented stylist. Natasha rented a chair and began building up her own business in Alert Bay and then she came across the Cormorant Island Entrepreneur Support Program.
Natasha Pittman and Stephenie Thompson in the recently opened Hair by Natasha Pittman salon in Alert Bay, BC.
The program, a collaboration among the
Village of Alert Bay, the
‘Namgis First Nation and Reconciliation Canada, was designed to stimulate entrepreneurism on Cormorant Island. Participants, existing or aspiring entrepreneurs planning to grow or create businesses beneficial to Cormorant Island, received formal business and entrepreneur training via educators with the
RADIUS RBC First Peoples Accelerator at the
Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. The local
Community Futures office provided basic skills training such as Microsoft Excel and bookkeeping, while
Vancity offered a session on business banking and loans. A business coach recruited and supported by
Cuso International lived on island for four and one-half months to help participants apply their training to their individual business plans. The program gave Natasha the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to build her business, and allowed her to tap into a network of local entrepreneurs. Additionally, the program helped her understand a new approach to business, particularly in how she was able to connect her ’Namgis culture with her business ambitions.
On July 23, Natasha was joined by elders, members of the community and supporters to celebrate the opening of her own salon, Hair by Natasha Pittman. The T’sasała Dance Group officially welcomed the new enterprise to the community.
Natasha hopes that her story can provide encouragement for others to pursue their ambitions.
“Two years ago I found Alert Bay, and now I’m standing in my own salon”, she says. “I haven’t fully processed the whole experience yet, but it shows how much can change in two years. It shows what you can do if you put your mind to it.”
Funding for all elements of the Cormorant Island Entrepreneur Support Program was provided by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, with initial design funding coming from The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation.
Aug 12, 2016
To learn more about the I Love Attawapiskat campaign, click here.
Aug 5, 2016
On Wednesday, August 3, the federal government officially launched an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. This is a moment long in the making, and we are full of hope.
This inquiry will bring light to what is happening to Indigenous women and girls across Canada, and we are hopeful that this will help many families and communities that have been in a dark place for so long.
While we are hopeful, we recognize that those conducting this sacred work must approach it in sensitive and safe way. It will be critical to recognize the impacts of the process on family members, friends, neighbours and loved ones – they must be supported and cared for throughout the inquiry.
We see this moment as an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our own role in this process. Each of us must ask, “what can I do to elevate and empower women and girls in our communities?” “What can I do to reinforce everyone’s intrinsic value and worth?” What can I do to raise up and support the families and loved ones involved?”
Answering and acting on these questions is an act of reconciliation, and this is something that all people in Canada must contribute to.
We are humbled by the courage of all of the individuals who never gave up hope. We thank all those who have made this moment a reality. We raise our hands to you.
Gilakasla.
Jun 30, 2016
On June 8, Reconciliation Canada was excited to host
An Evening of Reconciliation: Keynote and Cultural Celebration in Saskatoon. The event brought community members to the
Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
Guests gathered the Outdoor Amphitheatre to experience a hoop dance and musical performance, followed by a instructional session where participants could learn the basics of hoop dancing.
Following the performance, Chief Joseph delivered a keynote address, speaking of the significance of the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a gathering place for diverse peoples for thousands of years, and of the importance individuals from all backgrounds taking steps to make reconciliation part of their lives.
We are incredibly honoured for the opportunity to host this event. We offer our sincere gratitude to our partners and sponsors who made this event possible. Most of all, we would like to thank all those who joined us to listen and learn in this important celebration. bahis siteleri
We look forward to engaging Canadians across the country as we continue to build a new way forward, together.
This event was made possible through the generosity of our Leading Corporate Sponsor and Partners.
Leading Corporate Sponsor:
Partners
Jun 29, 2016
On June 8, The Environics Institute for Survey Research conducted and released a new national survey “Canadian Public Opinion on Aboriginal Peoples”, which explored “non-Aboriginal public knowledge and
attitudes about Aboriginal peoples”. Reconciliation Canada, along with six other partners, provided support to this project.
The results show an unquestionable surge and growing number of Canadians, who did not self-identify as Indigenous, desiring reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. Canlı casino siteleri
More than eight out of ten of those surveyed now express a clear desire to be a part of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Eighty-four percent to be exact. This is up from two thirds in 2008. Perhaps most exciting is that this growth was most significant among young people, with an increase of more than thirty percent of surveyed between ages 18-29 believing they have an individual role to play in the reconciliation process.
Reconciliation Canada is extremely grateful for this growing trend towards new relations among all peoples in Canada, and we will work harder to provide support to this momentum. ithalilac.com
You can read the full report from The Environics Institute for Survey Research here.
Canadian Public Opinion on Aboriginal Peoples Final Report was conducted and released by The Environics Institute for Survey Research, with the support of seven leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations:
The Circle for Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada
Tides Canada
Institute on Governance
Canadians for a New Partnership
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The Inspirit Foundation
Reconciliation Canada
Jun 28, 2016
It has been a busy month for the Reconciliation Canada team! Here is a round-up of where we’ve been this month:
May 27 – Canadian Association of Journalists Annual Conference
Edmonton, AB
Chief Joseph spoke of the importance of embedding reconciliation into the every practice of journalism. He sat on the panel, Can we improve coverage of Indigenous issues through collaboration?, with Erin Millar and Samantha Dawson.
June 6 – 8–
Reconciliation and Journalism hosted by The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, with support from Breuninger Foundation and the Inspirit Foundation
Wasan Island, ON
June 8 –
National Reconciliation Gathering and An Evening of Reconciliation hosted by Reconciliation Canada.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park – Saskatoon, SK
Leading Corporate Sponsor:
Partners:
Click
here to learn more.
June 9 –
Author Reading: “The Native Voice” by Eric Jamieson
North Vancouver Museum & Archives – North Vancouver, BC
June 15 – West Coast Night
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre – Vancouver, BC
June 15 –
Pathways to Reconciliation conference hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB
Watch Chief Joseph’s speech, My Vision for Reconciliation, here.
June 17 – Aboriginal Opportunities Forum hosted by the Vancouver Board of Trade
Vancouver, BC
Karen Joseph spoke on the panel, What Truth and Reconciliation Means for Business, with Clint Davis, Grand Chief Edward John (Akile Ch’oh), The Honourable Gerry St. Germain P.C.
June 21 – National Aboriginal Day Celebrations at Trout Lake – Vancouver, BC
This outreach engagement is made possible through the generous support of Teck Resources.
June 22 – The Face of Leadership conference hosted by Minerva – Vancouver, BC
Chief Joseph provided a opening address for the conference. Karen Joseph spoke on the panel Radical Leadership: Taking Giant Steps to Close Diversity Gaps/.
This outreach engagement is made possible through the generous support of Teck Resources.
June 24 – Libraries and Higher Ed in a Time of Truth and Reconciliation hosted by the British Columbia Library Association – Vancouver, BC
Jun 24, 2016
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