Reconciliation Dialogues

Engaging Federation Members, Advancing Reconciliation

This new initiative—what we are calling Reconciliation Dialogues— will combine monthly interviews, editorials, and reflections and commentary on current events in order to further The Federation’s commitment to reconciliation. It will be hosted by Riley McKenzie, The Federation’s Indigenous Advisor.

It will be an opportunity and a space in which to provide information on Indigenous issues that affect the social services sector, provide a forum for dialogue with and between members, create a safe space to ask questions and provide an entry point through which to learn about Indigenous people, practices, and perspectives.

Recent Dialogues…

Chipmunk gets his stripes

We all enjoy stories. This month for the Reconciliation Dialogues I wanted to bring something a bit more light-hearted yet with some lessons/teachings embedded within. All cultures have myths, legends, […]

Caring about Cultural Safety

You have probably heard that The Federation is offering cultural safety workshops to members. But what exactly do those workshops cover? What does cultural safety mean? Why should it be […]

Reconciliation Resolutions…

It’s that time of year again—when we reflect on the past twelve months and consider what the next twelve might bring. If you are like me, there is usually a […]

Popeing Ain’t Easy…

Last year when the first unmarked graves in Kamloops were located, it became a flash point for Indigenous people, allies, and activists who had always known that these children were […]

Looking at things from a different perspective

Over the past few months, I have been working on developing a new workshop to enable and support the creation of more culturally safe workplaces in the community social services […]

Monique Gray Smith on Reconciliation, Recognition, and Relationship

Back in 2018, Monique Gray Smith helped The Federation launch our Reconciliation Book Club with a special guest appearance and reading at our June conference. Since then, she has been […]

Have your say…

In addition to providing information on Indigenous issues and interviews with Indigenous people, our goal for this initiative is to create a forum for dialogue with Federation members, a safe space to ask questions, and an entry point through which to learn about Indigenous history, practices, and perspectives.

So let us know what facts and terms you want to learn more about. Suggest people you think we should talk to. Flag the current events or issues that you would like us to unpack and explain.

We will do our best to provide you with valuable insights, a dose of humour, and new ways of thinking about your communities, organizations, and daily lives.

Reconciliation Dialogues Suggestion Box

Will not be shared. Only to be used in case we need to follow-up for more information or clarification.

Other Reconciliation Initiatives

Reconciliation Book Club

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club was created in 2017 to create an accessible space for staff in member organizations to increase their knowledge of issues related to reconciliation. Book Club members meet every other month to discuss a new book by an Indigenous author as well as the questions and issues and implications that arise from our reading. You can view our discussion schedule and upcoming titles on the Book Club website.

No matter where you are in your personal journey, we invite all staff from Federation member organizations 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.

Transformative Reconciliation Program

The Federation’s Transformative Reconciliation program was designed in partnership with Dr. Dustin Louie from the University of Calgary. It provides a more intensive program for members and community partners who want to deepen their learning and apply reconciliation-based approaches to their organizations and programs. Participants engage in transformative reconciliation through collaborative learning, design, and practice over a 12-month period.

The program’s action-oriented design is tailored for leaders and staff who are keen to create real-world approaches to reconciliation that are founded on decolonizing principles and Indigenous Knowledges within their specific local and organizational context.