HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
We Heal Together
The legacy of the residential school system has left deep scars on Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
Survivors were forever changed by the treatment they endured, and families and communities who lost children to the system were never the same.
Although the last residential school closed in 1997, many who were forced to attend are still with us today. To support healing for Survivors, the Indigenous Ministry of Thunder Bay is bringing people together through an Indigenous Listening Circle, creating a safe space for sharing, connection, and healing.
The Listening Circle follows the traditional practice of the Sacred Circle to help restore dignity and trust. Survivors and their families are invited to share their stories and listen to the experiences of others, fostering healing in a uniquely Indigenous way. The Circle uses culturall tools, such as a sacred feather and sacred medicine, to create an environment where each person feels validated, respected, and heard.
Many Survivors live in remote or rural areas around Thunder Bay, making travel into the city challenging. Recognizing this, the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) will provide funding over the next two years to cover travel and lodging costs for participants, as well as venue and hospitality expenses. With this support, those attending the Indigenous Listening Circle can focus fully on their healing journey.
The monthly Listening Circles were created by the Diocese of Thunder Bay in consultation with Elders to ensure that everyone who wishes to share their voice has the opportunity. Through these gatherings, Survivors and their families can continue to share their experience, heal and build strength.
Diocese of Thunder Bay
