Setting My Intentions

This blog began as part of my final assignment for INDG 262: Reconciliation & Indigenous Resurgence in Canada with Merelda Fiddler in Spring 2022 at First Nations University of Canada; however, it is my intention to keep this blog going and document my learning and my journey along the path of reconciliation.

I should probably begin by stating what reconciliation means to me, and what I hope to achieve. I, like so many settlers, grew up knowing nothing about residential schools and hearing only part of the history of this country. When I was completing my undergraduate degree in the early 90s, I began to learn the truth about residential schools. The information collected and shared by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (2015) both saddened and angered me. I was heartbroken to hear the numerous accounts of abuse, neglect, and the intergenerational trauma that resulted. I also felt intense anger at the government who had perpetrated such inhuman actions and concealed these actions from its citizens for so long. It challenged how I felt as a Canadian.

Previously, I had always felt intense pride in being Canadian, but these truths left me feeling lost. The 94 Calls to Actions provided me with some direction. My journey along this path began with earnest intention in January 2019 when I signed up for a seven-week Bead and Read class at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. I had taught a credit course in the Fall 2018 semester on Social Movements which had kickstarted things, but I’ll talk more about both of these in individual posts. I began to attend webinars and professional development opportunities whenever possible when I happened upon the free course ‘nisitohtamowin ᓂᓯᑐᐦᑕᒧᐃᐧᐣ: An Introduction to Understanding Indigenous Perspectives in Canada’ created by First Nations University of Canada. After completing this course, I learned about the Certificate in Reconciliation Studies and began my studies in the program in Fall 2021.

As of June 2022, I’ve completed four courses, each of which has been transformative in different ways. I’ve had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding with the help of Indigenous and Métis Elders and Instructors, Indigenous Allies, and my classmates.

By creating a blog to document my journey, I’m hoping to continue to learn and engage with critical friends, defined as: “a trusted person who asks provocative questions, provides data to be examined through another lens, and offers critique of a person’s work as a friend” (Costa & Kallick, 1993, p. 50). I also sincerely hope that my reflections will stimulate feedback and critique to nudge both myself and my readers along the path of reconciliation.

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Costa, A. & Kallick, B. (1993). Through the lens of a critical friend. Educational Leadership. Vol. 51, No. 2., pp. 49-51.

Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). (2015). Truth & Reconciliation

Commission of Canada: Calls to action. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-

governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf