Introducing the Reconciliation Book Club
Next week at our June Conference in Penticton, we will be honouring National Aboriginal Day with the launch of The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club!
Many of our members have expressed that reading works by Indigenous authors has been one of the best ways to enhance their knowledge and inspire the courage to act and make change. The Reconciliation Book Club is one way The Federation can celebrate the Indigenous people of Canada and also support the efforts of our members to live into reconciliation.
How it works
Starting in September 2018, The Reconciliation Book Club will meet every two months (via online webinar) to discuss a book from a list of titles chosen by our reconciliation action group members. Federation staff will participate and make available discussion questions, additional readings and resources, as well as author and publisher information.
You can see the first five books that have been selected, the webinar dates, as well as an additional recommended reading list (developed by the reconciliation action group members) on the new book club webpage here. And while you’re there, don’t forget to sign up to participate!
No matter where you are in your personal journey, we invite you to join us. All you have to do is show up and help us create a safe space for learning, asking questions, and being a little uncomfortable. In the words of one Federation member: “reconciliation requires working through discomfort to get to real change.”
How it began
The Federation’s reconciliation action group emerged out of our 2016 Social Policy Forum. A number of members decided to work together to (a) inform the ways The Federation incorporates reconciliation efforts into our activities and initiatives while also (b) creating a space for Federation members to talk about this important work in order to make reconciliation ‘a way of being.’
When some group members admitted they wanted to get involved but were unsure of where to start, their colleagues suggested simply reading the works of Indigenous authors. After a brief discussion about how The Federation could support these efforts, the Reconciliation Book Club quickly took shape. Its goal? To increase knowledge and understanding, to break down bias and assumptions, and to inspire personal action in support of reconciliation.
Get involved!
For the official launch in Penticton next week, The Federation is honoured to welcome award-winning author Monique Gray-Smith who will be joining us for a book signing.
We are very excited about this new opportunity to celebrate and learn with our members. To sign up for the book club go to fcssbc.ca/bookclub.
Rick FitzZaland
Federation Executive Director