HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Walking Together
Those first steps towards reconciliation begin with compassion and a willingness to understand the Indigenous experience.
For non-Indigenous peoples it can be difficult to find spaces with opportunities to self-educate, listen, learn and reflect on the roles one can play in reconciliation.
Bringing these two groups together to honour Indigenous culture and provide spaces where people of all backgrounds can witness Indigenous traditions flourish, is critical.
After two years of success, the community of Maple Ridge in British Columbia are excited to bring back their powerful celebration in 2025. Walking Together: A Journey of Unity and Healing will return on September 30th to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Co-led by the Katzie First Nation, Fraser River Indigenous Society, BC Spokes and PLEA Community Services, more than 5,000 people are expected to join the event. It will feature traditional storytelling, drumming, dancing, guest speakers, a healing space with burning ceremony, and on-site Indigenous-led counselling. Those in attendance will also have the chance to contribute to the creation of a community art piece and enjoy more than 70 vendor booths featuring Indigenous artisans.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is proud to help build on the success of the previous two events. As this year promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever, the IRF’s contribution will help sustain the event’s healing-focused programming and ensure cultural safety, community leadership and access to essential resources throughout the day.
Walking Together is more than a single celebration – it is a physical representation of communities’ efforts to heal, unite and reconcile. Further, it builds new bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, using the building blocks of compassion, cultural education, awareness and Indigenous pride.
Archdiocese of Vancouver
