Battlefords Regional Truth and Reconciliation

Battlefords Regional Truth and Reconciliation is a group made up of members from Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs, Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services, Light of Christ Catholic School Division, Battlefords and District Community Foundation, Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, RBC Dominion Securities, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre, Battlefords Youth Network, Battlefords Family Resource Network, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Battlefords, RCMP, the City of North Battleford and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.

In October 2018, Battlefords Regional Truth and Reconciliation was born after a gathering of more than 60 community leaders seeking to advance reconciliation in the Battlefords region. The large circle has come together six times since then, educating themselves on racism, the Seven Sacred Teachings and conducting a baseline mapping exercise of reconciliation activities that are currently underway in the region.

The goal of Battleford Regional Truth and Reconciliation is that seven generations into the future, the Battlefords is an inclusive community built on the strengths and diversity of all its people. Our region is an example for healing, progression and work in Truth and Reconciliation. Our people co-exist in harmony, and everyone feels safe, welcomed, valued and respected.

To get there the group is:
• Engaging with organizations and the general public to expand larger group involvement
• Focusing on healing through sharing truths
• Using media to share information with the community
• Planning educational opportunities using history as a tool to break down systemic racism
• Planning events for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about Indigenous culture
• Educating businesses on the impact of reconciliation and engagement

With the shared goals of:
• To develop true relationships together in partnership to build trust in our community
• To provide our community with meaningful education opportunities, in order to create a common understanding free of stereotypes, negative attitudes and assumptions
• To create and sustain a space for understanding, building opportunities for progress, learning and building capacity
• To honor the land, history, cultures and peoples of this region
• To nourish well-being, equity and hope in our communities, families, and selves
• To work together for equity in our systems that promote a high quality of life where everyone contributes to the well-being of members in our communities