Sunrise Learning Circle - June 1, 2024
Come out and learn about the significance of the sun for Indigenous people at this Learning Circle with Trish Meekins who is of Pottawatomi and Mohawk decent. Trish strongly identifies with her Anishinabek culture and history and is the sole owner of Nikaanaganaa Counselling & Learning Centre located in Owen Sound.
Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and come and join the learning circle.
Register online to attend the June 1st, 2024 Learning Circle, or contact us by e-mail or phone at 519-389-1857.
Victoria Park, Kincardine
10 a.m. to Noon
Please bring your own lawn chair.
Ceremonial Fire - June 1, 2024
A fire will be kept by a Fire keeper throughout the day. Bring your lawn chairs and come by and say hello.
Victoria Park, Kincardine
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
History of the land from a First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspective - June 19, 2024
This training will be conducted by Trish Nadjiwon Meekins. She will present the history of land from a First Nations', Métis and Inuit perspective. Trish will also bring you on a journey from before contact with the newcomers of Turtle Island to where we are today. It is our responsibility to understand what it means to be treaty people and brainstorm ways to move forward from where we are today.
Register online to attend the June 19th, 2024 Learning Circle, or contact us by e-mail or phone at 519-389-1857.
Municipal Administration Centre at 1475 Concession 5, Kincardine
1:30 to 4 p.m.
Reconciliation: Where are you now? September 12 and 26, 2024
A central theme that will be conveyed in this workshop is the necessity of reconciliation work beginning with acknowledging the implications of a settler state in the maintenance of complacence and continued oppression, marginalization, and inequities regarding the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples’ experiences. Moving beyond coFacmplacence requires accountability. Discussions about the Truth and Reconciliation have been in the public domain since 2015. In preparation for the workshop sessions, it is anticipated that participants will have some foundational understanding of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and TRC Calls to Action (2015). This information can be located at Reports - NCTR. Presentations can be found on You Tube. Senator Murray Sinclair: The truth is hard. Reconciliation is harder. (youtube.com) and Murray Sinclair on moving reconciliation forward in Canada (youtube.com)
Session 1: Acceptance of Canada being a racist state
What we cannot see, we cannot change. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has documented the historical and present truths of harmful and violent colonial impacts on Indigenous peoples in Canada. Colonization dispossessed Indigenous peoples from their original territories and imposed racist policies for the purpose of assimilating and controlling them in ways benefitting the state. The Doctrine of Discovery (was) is the primary rationale of assimilation that has enabled settler invasion and continued control and oppression of Indigenous peoples. This doctrine has contributed to a passivity in settler society when topics of reconciliation and Indigenous people’s surface. While these topics can be challenging to hear and honestly talk about, it is through kindness in our discussions that possibilities for “seeing” this truth and moving beyond passivity may come forth.
Session 2: A relational approach to seeing routes of change
What can I do? This is a question that many settler peoples ask. While a good question, it can create the thinking that the answer lies outside of themselves. Consider answering this question for yourself. This does not mean doing the work of reconciliation on your own; but it does mean considering the TRC Calls to Action and which ones relate to your work, volunteer work, church activities, board equity work, etc. What do you need to know and what relationships are needed to begin addressing those calls within your context?
Register online to attend Reconciliation: Where are you now? Learning Circles, or contact us by e-mail or phone at 519-389-1857.
Virtual Workshops - Two part series
1 to 4 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Laurila, MSW, RSW; PhD
Residential School Impacts - Orange Shirt Day - September 30, 2024
Elder Shirley John and Diane Giroux in for the residential school presentation in honour of Orange shirt Day.
Elder Shirley John, Strong White Buffalo Woman of Saugeen First Nation is a widely respected spiritual leader. In this interactive circle, she delivers an impactful first-hand account of her experience as a little girl attending residential school. She walks us through the realities of being sent away, attending the institution, and then returning to the community.
Register online to attend the September 30th, 2024 Learning Circle, or contact us by e-mail or phone at 519-389-1857.
Municipal Administration Centre at 1475 Concession 5, Kincardine
1:30 to 3 p.m.