#2 and #3: Local Reconciliation Organization (yay or nay?)

#2. Find your local reconciliation organization.
#3. If there isn’t one, consider joining together with others to start one.

​The region that we inhabit (the south central portion of Treaty 8 and unceded Metis territory) is filled with amazing organizations. While Edmonton has their own specific reconciliation organization, I've come to realize that every organization in our vast region is working towards reconciliation. Whether they are a non-Indigenous or Indigenous government, corporation, or individual, there is a spirit of reconciliation in all corners of the region. 

It feels like the momentum of reconciliation in our region is currently electric. For so long, the stick of failure has overshadowed the carrot of hope, in terms of genuine reconciliation. Those of us who have dedicated our professional and volunteer careers to a mutually beneficial relationship between Canada and original inhabitants, it has been an uphill push, slowed by intergenerational historic trauma and institutional racism. Only in the last few years has there been an nation-wide willingness both to speak and to hear personal truths. In my humble opinion, truth will unequivocally lead to healing, and healing will lead us all to reconciliation. 

We've all heard those naysayers who say that now the TRC sessions are complete, that we should get on with reconciliation and be done with it. While some see reconciliation as a process or an event, I prefer to see it as the space one would welcome one another to share one's truth.  Which brings me to the Act of Reconciliation of seeking out a reconciliation organization. We don't need an organization to have a conversation, to listen intently, or to share one's story about how the system of colonialism has impacted us and our family members. It is the space between all of you and me, and between you and you and you. Our relationship, whatever that may consist of (friend, colleague, acquaintance) is at the centre of truth. Truth is the foundation upon which reconciliation, a new reciprocal and mutually beneficial Canada and Indigenous Nations will co-exist.

Canada’s Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission defines reconciliation in the following manner: “Reconciliation is an ongoing individual and collective process, and will require commitment from all those affected including First Nations, Inuit and Métis former Indian Residential School (IRS) students, their families, communities, religious entities, former school employees, government and the people of Canada. Reconciliation may occur between any of the above groups” (Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, 2006).  

Where does that leave us in regards to a specific organization, I don't believe we need one organization to instigate truth telling and reconciliation. From what I've seen so far, we are going down a positive path, creating space for truth and eventual reconciliation between many organizations and many individuals. 

Keep going! We will chance the world for the better, for everyone.