Lecture Notes: Reconciliation and Resilience

Introduction

• Acknowledgement of the K'et'zi, Sewali, and Semiamu people.
• Speaker: Monique, traditional name Mystique Washkigos.
• Personal journey: Recovery from addiction, significance of traditional ceremonies in healing.
• Importance of fostering reconciliation in Canada.

Key Themes

Respect and Understanding History

• Importance of respect for understanding history.
• Historical context: Indian residential schools.
• First residential school in the province opened in 1863, closed in 1996.
• Impact on survivors and ongoing legacy.

Legacy of Residential Schools

• Seven generations affected by residential schools.
• Loss of cultural identity and connection to land.
• Testimonies from former students: experiences of cultural loss, physical and sexual abuse.
• Importance of understanding this history to avoid repeating it.

Building Relationships

• Seven sacred teachings: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, Truth.
• These teachings guide how to foster relationships and reconciliation.
• Encouragement for educators to fill spaces with love and be courageous in teaching new curriculum.

Resilience

• Resilience as the ability to bounce back, culturally represented by red willow.
• Four blankets of resilience:
  • Strong Sense of Self: Cultural identity and roots.
  • Sense of Family: Biological and chosen families.
  • Sense of Community: Belonging and contributing.
  • Philosophy in Culture and Language: Connection to land, water, and stars.

Practical Applications

• Educators' role in supporting resilience and reconciliation.
• Encouragement to include cultural and language elements in education.
• Recognition of the importance of community involvement.
• Transition practices in New Zealand as a model.

Reconciliation

• Reconciliation is a long-term journey towards healing.
• Importance of truth-telling and self-love in reconciliation.
• Encouragement to deepen understanding of residential schools and engage in dialogues.
• Suggestion of hosting reconciliation-focused events.

Conclusion

• Reflection on personal and national legacy.
• Acknowledgement of contributions from educators of various experience levels.
• Closing thoughts on the importance of love in reconciliation efforts.