We Are All Treaty People

Community Kicks Off Month Long of Activities to Promote Reconciliation

  • Published - 18/05/2016
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  • Posted By - OTC
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 A month of events to engage the community in reconciliation has kicked off in Saskatoon.

“Reconciliation is the restoration of a friendship after an estrangement,” said George Lafond, past treaty commissioner.

“It does not require agreement on every aspect of how to live together. It is not an apology that has been accepted once offered.

“Rather, it is about the process of coming together—a conscious choice that the future will be better if we work through difficulties and differences with an openness to hearing about, and responding to, the harm that has occurred.”

The idea is to engage and inspire all citizens on what it means to have reconciliation and to find their own personal call to action.

“Reconciliation is a process of opening up our hearts to be inclusive of all cultures and religious beliefs,” said Shirley Isbister, president of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.

”[It’s] a process of understanding that we may be unique but can still live and work together in harmony. Our call to action paves the path for future generations.” 

Saskatoon has committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action. It all started with a proclamation by city council on June 22, 2015 declaring 2015/2016 the Year of Reconciliation.

The month of events was created as partnership between The City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council and Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 29 supporting organizations.

“The organizations involved in these events are setting the foundation to the work we can all do together to improve our relationships and be all inclusive,” said Felix Thomas, chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

The month-long schedule of activities will give Saskatoon residents an opportunity to:

  • listen to the stories of survivors and their families,
  • learn about our history, about residential schools, in an environment that is accessible to all,
  • show-up to support events for reconciliation, and
  • share your personal response to the calls to action with friends and family using #ReconciliationSK.

For a rundown of all the events, check out the events calendar.