Join us for the fifth series of the Decolonization Learning Journey with Mi’kmaw Elders and knowledge carriers.
Decolonization Learning Journey
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, IONS (formerly the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia) embarked on our own organizational learning journey in the fall of 2018.
As part of IONS’ ongoing commitments, our goal is to continue to deepen individual and organizational understanding of Canada’s shared history with Indigenous Peoples to build capacity and to mobilize the Community Impact Sector. IONS took a shared leadership role in co-creating a shared learning space across the province and country to create dialogue, genuine shifts, and meaningful movement toward reconciliation. In partnership with Unama’ki College at Cape Breton University, we launched the “The Decolonization Learning Journey” in June 2020 and have offered four online webinars series since (which can be found on our website here ). Join us for the fifth series this spring, as we incorporate and practice reconciliation and living as Treaty People.
Series 5: Reconciliation in Action
We cannot get to Reconciliation without truth, and we cannot be ready without being aware. Series 5 “Reconciliation in Action” builds on the foundation series of the Decolonization Learning Journey. The capacity to learn, grow, and bring reconciliation to life increases when we are taking challenging steps with purpose, courage, and humility – and while surrounded by peers who are sharing the experience. This series will focus on understanding what Reconciliation is and why it’s vital work (TRC, Treaty Education, UNDRIP, moral duty) to be able to move in ways that center authentic relationships and wise action.
This series is comprised of three (3) virtual sessions via Zoom scheduled for the first three Mondays in June from 1:00-3:00pm (ADT):
Session 1: Monday, June 6th: Treaty Education as a Relationship
Session 2: Monday, June 13th: Acknowledging the Land
Session 3: Monday, May 20th: Working with Indigenous Communities
NOTE: All sessions are being recorded and the recordings will be available on our website ( here ) within one week of each session Webinar Descriptions and Details: Monday, June 6 – Treaty Education as Relationship Description : The Treaties that apply to this part of Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia) are rooted in peace and friendship. Although they are a critical part of understanding our broader context, Treaty Education is the title given movement related to understanding what it means to be a “Treaty Person”which includes everyone who calls this province home. Although the Treaty Education initiative has only been afoot since 2015, the unique approach to establishing it has created numerous opportunities for participants to re-imagine a way to change conversations around the dinner tables about Reconciliation and why relationships are at the root of it all.Hosting Team : Elder Jane Meader, Wyatt White, Nicole Cammaert
Jacqueline Prosper, Treaty Education Lead at Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey
Celeste Sulliman, Director, Treaty Education at Nova Scotia Office of L’nu Affairs
Ann Terese Doucette, Mi’kmaq Relations Officer – Cape Breton Field Unit of Parks Canada
Monday, June 13 – Acknowledging the Land: There is much to learn and understand between the intent and potential impact of making territorial acknowledgement statements as part of your organization’s “standard of practice”. While this practice has become quite mainstream, the impact or value is negligible unless there is a desire to use this action as a steppingstone towards something greater. Here in Mi’kma’ki, L’nu people will often close a prayer or moment of sharing with the phrase “Msit No’kmaq” which translate to “All my Relations.” If you understand how important interconnectivity amongst all beings within the Mi’kmaw worldview, you will gain a deeper understanding of just how important acknowledging a territory really is. Hosting Team: Elder Jane Meader, Wyatt White, Nicole Cammaert
Laurianne Sylvester, Dean, Unama’ki College at Cape Breton University
Melody Martin-Googoo, Coordinator of Mi’kmaq Education & Services at Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education
Sarah Prosper, Dancer & Artistic Director of Samqwan
Amy Grant, Lead Storyteller at Pink L’nu
Aaron Prosper, Indigenous Health Consultant, NS Health Authority
Monday, June 20 – Considerations when working with Indigenous Communities Description : Your motivation to connect with a Mi’kmaw community or organization should guide your method of engagement. Everyone seeks to respect the people, culture, history, customs and traditional practices of the first people of this territory, especially when forming or growing a working relationship. With a healthy dose of humility and capacity to listen, you’ll find that Mi’kmaw communities and organizations are also deeply interested in opportunities to support healthy, vibrant communities who are empowered and engaged with the world around them. This session will cover various important considerations and mindsets to carry forth when working with Indigenous communities.Hosting Team: Wyatt White, Nicole Cammaert
Annie Battiste, Reconciliation Consultant and Speaker at Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatchewan
Denise DiGiosia, Senior Advisor, Mi’kmaw and Indigenous Initiatives (L’nuey Nikanus) at NSCC
Robert Bernard, Pantiteketew (Path Maker) and owner of Indigenous Guide Consulting Services
