HEALING AND RECONCILIATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
We Walk Forward
Reconciliation is a journey that requires Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to walk along a path together, working towards a future where Indigenous rights, traditions and cultures are equally valued, celebrated and respected.
It requires non-Indigenous people to commit to being allies and educate themselves about the history of Canada, the systemic and unjust treatment Indigenous Peoples have been dealt at the hands of government institutions, and the oppression that continues today.
A group of diverse individuals in Regina have come together to create the Circle of Allies (COA). The COA will gather non-Indigenous peoples and Indian Residential School Survivors to build relationships between the two. This can be achieved by sharing personal and often traumatic stories, discussing how to create mutual trust and learning Canada’s unfiltered history, creating a safe for both groups.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) will provide funding for one year to support cultural activities, traditional ceremonies and to secure a safe, accessible space for the COA. Bringing these two groups together is a pivotal step towards reconciliation, creating positive and long-lasting relationships. The COA will help reduce harmful stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples as more allies join and share the knowledge they gather from each meeting, leading to positive impacts within the community.
Since first gathering in July 2024, the COA meets once a month and has grown to expect a regular group of 30 individuals each session. Beyond these sessions, the COA has partnered with the Regina Survivors Circle to hold special educational and cultural activities to help improve understanding of one-another’s culture. Open to the public, these events are an integral way to welcome more individuals to actively work towards reconciliation and to be involved in critical efforts that lead towards healing, understanding and respect.
Archdiocese of Regina
