Moving Forward with Truth and Reconciliation Gathering held October 25-26 in St. Albert

A very well-attended two-day gathering was hosted at St. Albert (AB) United Church to explore how a network might strengthen collective efforts. Registration was capped at 60. This was in addition to a community learning event with Dr Patricia Makokis and Dr Davina Rousell with 40 more people attending on Saturday morning.  Learning about the spirit of treaty and the work it takes to practice being a good ally were key components.  A planning committee of ten people from both Northern Spirit and Chinook Winds Region created a generative learning environment with emphasis on listening to the perspectives of indigenous participants in circle. National Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator, Sara Stratton also attended to share a national perspective. The group endorsed creating one network for the two regions and shared ideas on how the network could become alive and sustained. With the National Indigenous Spiritual gathering in August and the new regional structure of the UCC, a reflection on the event and the distillation of ideas is forthcoming. To learn more about the spirit of treaty please view treatytalk.com.  Contacts: Mary Shearer or Shelley Szabo