A grassroots organization behind reconciliation-centred activities on the Sunshine Coast is planning to host several workshops in the new year and has asked the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) for support.
“We want to go to each community and invite the public to sit and dialogue with us regarding the things that are important to them around reconciliation. What does it mean to them? What might be the obstacles? Where do they think things are right now and what needs to go forward?” said syiyaya Reconciliation Movement founding member Nancy Denham at a Dec. 12 SCRD board meeting.
The events will take the form of “world cafés” in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Pender Harbour and shíshálh Nation from Jan. 20 to March, with a presentation of their findings based on those talks slated for the end of March.
“We’re asking for you to come, and if you could help us with venues,” said Denham, adding that the organization operates through donations. “People are very supportive, though it’s very grassroots. It’s not a big budget.”
Founding member Cam Reid said the directors’ attendance could also lend some credibility to their efforts.
During discussion, Sechelt director Darnelda Siegers said she had noticed “there aren’t typically a lot of the shíshálh Nation who attend the community events and there are separate events for the shíshálh Nation. If we’re looking at reconciliation, when are we actually going to have sessions that have all people together?”
Denham replied they “hope that will grow,” and said the process takes time. “Shíshálh Nation is going through a process of healing and needing to talk with one another about this. Reconciliation is not necessarily a pleasant word in the Nation. It hurts people. We have a lot of raw experiences … and we’re working very carefully, gently and consistently alongside. We’re not telling anyone what to do.”
Denham also pointed out the difference in population size – there are approximately 700 shíshálh Nation members living on the Sunshine Coast, compared with 30,000 residents. “If you looked at it that way, a lot of people from the Nation come out.”
Area A director Len Lee said the board was “extremely supportive of this,” and made a motion that staff bring back recommendations on how the SCRD can fund the appropriate venues for the events. Directors voted in favour unanimously.
Denham said the venues will be confirmed in January.
