Reconciliation and Youth
The OTC has been asking youth to define successful Reconciliation.
In March 2017, we invited 45 youth between the ages of 18 and 30 years to gather during two Youth Speak gatherings in Regina and Prince Albert. In June 2017, the OTC sponsored a two-day workshop with a high school media class from Saskatoon's Even Hardy.
The OTC asked the youth to imagine their lives 40 years in the future, in a time when Reconciliation has been successful. We asked them to reflect that future in their words and in film. The youth told us that Reconciliation in 2057 would mean:
- An end to racism
- Clean water, rivers, lakes, trees, and earth
- Taking personal actions for reconciliation
- Healing the trauma Indigenous peoples carry
- Wide-spread fluency in Indigenous languages
- Indigenous culture practiced freely and respected by all
- Healthy families and vibrant life in their communities
- Meaningful entrepreneurship and professional jobs that contribute to family and community
- Equality and acceptance, including sharing culture and values between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people
When asked about the future, the youth made several powerful statements:
“I want to put my hand in the river where I grew up, and the water to be pure and clean.”
“I want to educate my children, and family, and other people, non-Indigenous people, it’s okay that you come to a ceremony, that you want to learn from us, because I want to learn from you. That we can come together.”
“The way forward is for everyone to take the initiative to learn about culture.”
“Everyone equal in one society. I can see myself sitting there by the fire telling my grandchildren about when everyone starting making changes and choices and being kind to each other and friendly.”
