The National Building Reconciliation Forum began in a good way the morning of June 25, with a sunrise ceremony and the words of elder Grace Fox echoing in the walls of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre at Laurentian University.
A graduate of Laurentian from M’Chigeeng First Nation, Fox said she was pleased to see such a crowd of people at the forum, but warned them of the work there was to be done.
“We have a lot of work to do, a lot of work where our language is concerned,” she said, but added that she was cheered to see so many young people, and thanked the “creator” for the opportunity to teach their ways once again.
Running through June 27, the forum is a Universities Canada initiative, an annual event stems from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, with the aim of supporting the work of truth and reconciliation among key partners. This year’s theme is Indigenous Education and Mapping Out Institutional Spaces.
Fox said the forum is a significant step in implementing the TRC calls to action.
“Sharing ideas, promoting leadership initiatives and strengthening indigenous educational opportunities are core to Laurentian University’s tri-cultural identity, and we are honored to host the forum in Sudbury,” she said.
The opening ceremonies were hosted by Dominic Beaudry, associate vice-president, academic and Indigenous programs, and featured speakers such as Martin Bayer, lawyer and chair of the Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC) and Angela Recollet, executive director of Shkagamik-Kwe and Laurentina University board member, as well as Dr. Lynn Wells, Laurentian University President and Universities Canada President, Gabriel Miller.
Larry Roque, Chief of Wahnapitae First Nation, also spoke at the event, noting that reconciliation “is not a passive act.”
“The very name of this conference acknowledges that we cannot simply hope reconciliation occurs in the spaces we occupy, we must build it,” said Roque. “Reconciliation requires conscious thought, meaningful intent, and most importantly, action. Action can include hosting gatherings like this one, were we can learn from one another and learn how we can collectively walk on the right path in a good way.
The three day event will feature several keynote speakers, including Waubgeshig Rice and Tanya Talaga, as well as Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek and Dr. Susan Manitowabi, and discussions will centre on using traditional knowledge, incorporating the work of elders and cultural practices in the workplace and finding the path forward into full reconciliation.
You can find a full list of events here.
Jenny Lamothe is a reporter with Sudbury.com
