Reconciliation Starts with You!
A 3-hour interactive workshop that is open to everyone, but focuses on providing non-Indigenous people an opportunity to learn about:
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the impacts of colonization and residential schools
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the role white privilege and systemic racism play in our society
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how to move forward in the spirit of reconciliation as an ally to Indigenous peoples
Kimmapiipitsinni (Blackfoot word for compassion) is at the forefront of this workshop, as we come together to create a safe, open and non-judgmental learning environment.
Reconciliation starts with hearing and understanding the truth about our shared history with Indigenous peoples.
This workshop includes learning from Indigenous knowledge keepers (video/text), self-reflection, conversations with others and more, participants will leave with a greater understanding of what reconciliation means and the steps they can take to own their part of the process.
Reconciliation is not just about a day or a week in September, but it is an ongoing process. We can work together to make changes in our society everyday.
If you would like to bring this valuable workshop into your business, agency or organization, contact me for prices and details.
Certificate of Completion available. This training may be counted towards employer cultural competency requirements.
Media coverage:
September 30, 2022 Lethbridge News Now
October 1, 2022 Lethbridge Herald
October 27, 2022 Lethbridge Herald
October 27, 2022 Global News
Reconciliation Starts with You! started as an initiative with Reconciliation Lethbridge Action Committee. Thanks to their funding this workshop has been offered at no cost during Truth & Reconciliation Week in September.
Email cindy.rendall@counsellor.com to be added to the mailing list.
Update: Truth & Renconciliation Week September 2024
RLAC has approved funding for 2 workshops to be offered during Truth & Reconciliation Week September 25-30, 2024.
Register for either September 26 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm or September 27 from 9:00 – 11:30 am. (optional Feast to follow at Interfaith Food Bank Community Kitchen).
Email cindy.rendall@counsellor.com with your name and date you wish to attend.
Workshop held at Interfaith Food Bank 1103 3rd Avenue N
Space is limited.
Participants were asked "What is one thing you are committed to doing on your reconciliation journey?"
A few of their answers:
- Being more aware of my own white privilege and listening to the truths of Indigenous peoples trauma and how I can help change the future.
- Listen & be aware.
- To be more empathetic in the provision of care to the Indigenous community.
- Calling people out, making myself & others uncomfortable with the status quo by challenging implicit and explicit biases.
- Speak up for injustice and continue to be an ally.
- Be curious.
So many great answers it was hard to choose a few.
Excellent resources, thought provoking discussions.
For a person who is new at learning about Reconciliation, this was a very easy workshop to begin the process. It has started a process of questioning and inquiry without causing me to feel like I must feel overwhelming guilt or become a radical activist. I want to learn more about what I can understand and how I can grow.
It was a good presentation about the truth of residential schools, Indigenous trauma and white privilege, racism. We need to face and understand the truth to change.
Helped me to recognize my part in reconciliation. I feel more inclined to do my research and participate after today.