Host a Parish or Community Event:
- Blanket Exercise: The Blanket Exercise It really is one of the best ways to cover 150 years of Canadian history and the effects of colonization/Residential Schools within two hours. Book a Kairos Blanket Exercise 6-8 weeks before your event: https://www.kairosblanketexercise.org/find-a-facilitator/
- Treaty Workshop: This is a great educational opportunity.
- Social Justice Conferences with the theme of Truth and Reconciliation: Contact Tashia Toupin for more information.
- Host a Movie Night and Discussion. Here are some suggested films:
Reserve 107 Trailer: https://www.reserve107thefilm.com/
First Contact: https://aptn.ca/firstcontact/
It had to be Done: https://www.nfb.ca/film/second_stories_it_had_to_be_done/
Host a Book Club:
You may wish to gather with a few friends or community members over the course of a few weeks or months to read some of the following texts and books together:
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
The Education of Augie Merasty
Other Ideas:
- Hosting a potluck where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together over a meal and get to know one another. Have a sharing circle after the meal. This is one of the best ways to build relationships and community.
- Connect with the closest reserve and facilitate encounters with each other by:
Attend cultural events: • Pow Wows: https://calendar.powwows.com/events/categories/pow-wows/pow-wows-in-saskatchewan/
Buy your gas at one of the reserve gas stations! It’s amazing what kind of relationship you can start just by supporting their reserve. Have a coffee if you have time, and just “hang out” for a bit. You never know where it will lead.
While these are all possible ideas, the fundamental principle is “relationships.” Being involved in Indigenous relations is an opportunity to get to know others and ultimately get to know ourselves and be rooted in who we are. Creating opportunities to encounter and experience things builds relationships, and this ultimately leads to reconciliation with ourselves, our families, communities, and nations!
