This is a timely topic as we recently marked National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities

Nadette challenged us to take a close look at reconciliation and what it means to each of us on a personal level. The daughter of a father who is Saulteaux and from the Cowessess First Nation and mother with European ancestry, Nadette confessed that she knew little of her mother's ancestry.  Investigating it led her to understand the role that they played in colonization efforts and the history of Canada.  She encouraged all to do their own investigation as to what part their ancestors had played and how they came to be where they are.   Nadette encouraged all to examine that brought you to this place and to look at the relationships that were formed.  Our understanding of the role we each can play in developing relationships is one of the first steps when discussing reconciliation. 

The Native Friendship Society plays a key role in Red Deer and offers many services, educational opportunities, and supports for the community as a whole. Some of these include:

• Providing cultural teachings and family preservation services for  families and those in need 

• Creating cultural and spiritual connections to all people to nurture an engaged Indigenous community

• Offering referrals for suitable housing, food, clothing, pursuit of education, employment and skill development to improve quality of life for Indigenous people; and

• Extending friendship and fostering positive relationships to bring awareness of Indigenous people and culture to all citizens of Red Deer

More information about the Native Friendship Society can be found at : https://www.rdnfs.net/

Nadette reminded all of the 94 Calls to Action that resulted from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  These actions statements are meant to aid the healing process in two ways: acknowledging the full, horrifying history of the residential schools system, and creating systems to prevent these abuses from ever happening again in the future.  She talked about the importance of increasing our own knowledge about our place in the process and the need for background knowledge to illuminate our own understanding. 

The University of Alberta offers a free online course. Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.  For more information: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html