On Friday evening, Sept. 30, and all day Saturday, Oct. 1, 18 people met together to learn about the impact and ongoing legacy of Canada's policies and colonization of the First Nation peoples of Canada.
The event "Dialogue Circle: A History of Canada's Indian Residential School System" was sponsored by a team from St. John's Unitedand St. Hilda's Anglican churches.
The facilitators were Tsee'Tsee'Watoul'Wit who is Lokono (Arawak), originally from Guyana, and Kanatiio, who is Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) from Kanesatake, which is near Montreal.
They led the mixed group of Aboriginal and non-Native Sunshine Coasters with compassion and wisdom.
Tsee'Tsee'Watoul'Wit is currently director of Kloshe Tillicum, the Aboriginal Health Research Network for B.C. and the Yukon, and is the former executive director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Kanatiio has worked in community development for more than 21 years. He has worked in Indigenous communities holding positions with the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
Since January 1999, he has worked almost exclusively on residential school issues including a contract with the Shishalh people.
What we learned about our history - of realizing the truth and recognizing the legacy - of the laws and policies which have oppressed, enslaved and even led to acts of genocide directed against the original peoples of this land, was at times harrowing and heart-breaking. Yet, the experience of learning together was also liberating and inspiring.It became clear to all who attended the dialogue circle that understanding this history of Canada is key to moving forward in a respectful and caring way.
Candace Campo and Wesley Jeffries, members of the Sechelt Nation who also attended the dialogue circle, hosted a day-longworkshop at the Longhouse on Tuesday, Oct. 4, entitled "Cross Cultural Awareness -Our Shared Community".
More than 40 members of the Sunshine Coast community including representatives from the Sunshine Coast Regional District, St. Mary's Hospital, Community Futures, Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, Coast Garibaldi Health Home Support Services, the RCMP, the Sunshine Coast Community Builders Association and citizens at large met for the seminar and shared a salmon feast together.
Topics discussed included respect and knowledge, inter-governance, treaty and litigation, land and resources, business, community and good neighbour relations. This was the second workshop hosted by Jeffries and Campo, and there are plans for more.
If you are interested in attending further events for further dialogue, contact Nancy Denham at nancy_denham@sunshine.net or 604-885-7373 or Wesley Jeffries at thunder_voice@msn.ca or 604-399-9716.
-Submitted by Nancy and John Denham
