Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Murray Sinclair has noted that “Reconciliation is about forging and maintaining respectful relationships. There are no shortcuts.” Continuing education curriculum is designed to support effective relationships, with the image of gathering around the fire to get to know each other, by first knowing our shared history on this land – a story of hundreds and hundreds of years. The online format does create some barriers to achieving this goal, and the in-person format is the preferred format.

The history of Canada has at times been hidden, from the original intent and long-term outcomes of the Indian Residential Schools, to the broken agreements and treaties between governments and Indigenous communities, to the ongoing struggles over competing definitions of Indigenous identity. This is the history of Canada, and when it remains hidden, it’s too easy for some to blame Indigenous for their struggles. When the facts of history are uncovered, and in safety people ask questions to learn more, then we start to build real relationship based in truth.
Once we share truth, we can start to consider reconciliation. The Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, along with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples both set out some markers on the journey. But with any journey, it starts with one step. Many Canadians are considering what is their first step? What can I do to contribute? How can I make a difference?

This is the Indigenous Cultural Competence experience – a safe place to remember the past so we know where we are today, so that we can honestly and thoughtfully think about where we want to go in the future. An adult learning experience about your influence and potential to contribute, in supportive and strength-based discussions with others who share your passion to learn more, to do better.