Recordings
These recordings were created for newcomers, community organizations, and sponsorship groups committees as resources that may be drawn on to support: welcome orientations, anti-racism workshops, and internal dialogues on reconciliation and decolonization. Speakers at the roundtables emphasized the need for continued education and learning in order to build more just, equitable, and inclusive communities. Speakers also acknowledged that conversations about the past and how we’ve come to call Victoria home can be uncomfortable and daunting, but that we must not get caught up in feelings of shame and we should instead recognize the power we all hold and be active in building good relationships on these territories.
What is Reconciliation?
Speakers: Clint Kuzio, Asiyah Robinson, Sharmarke Dubow, and moderated by Julianna Nielsen
Truth and Reconciliation is a call for collective listening and acting to address injustice and to (re)build relationships with Indigenous peoples in a good way. This roundtable discussion explores what Reconciliation means in our everyday actions and lives. In addition to introducing some Calls to Actions to which we may personally respond, roundtable speakers share how they have defined their roles and responsibilities in making positive change for today and for the future. We invite you to reflect on what challenges us and what gives us hope in committing to the work of Reconciliation in Canada.
Questions asked:
- What does reconciliation mean to you and how do you define your responsibility and role in this process?
- What makes the work of reconciliation difficult? What gives you hope? What does reconciliation look like in everyday life?
- What everyday actions can we take to bring about change today and for the future?
How do we Build Community?
Speakers: Tanya Clarmont, Ariel Reyes Antuan, Adam Olsen, and moderated by Liz Bean
Weaving together our previous conversations on land acknowledgements and reconciliation, this final discussion reflects on how we might work collectively towards more just and inclusive communities for today and tomorrow. Roundtable speakers explore community building through the lends of current issues and initiatives related to environmental sustainability, cultural revitalization, anti-racism work, and social justice. Breaking down what it means to build relationships in a good way and be an active ally, this discussion equips you with a diverse range of tools to envision your own roles and responsibilities in your local communities.
Questions asked:
- How do you define ‘community,’ and what make you feel welcome?
- What inspires and motivates your involvement with community initiatives? What values shape your approach to being in community?
- Justice Murray Sinclair said that while newcomers may not be responsible for Canada’s past injustices, “everyone coming here as a responsibility to the future.” How do you act on this responsibility to the future in your everyday life?