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…

What do we do with our orange shirts after Sept 30?

Canada’s first annual National day for Truth and Reconciliation coincided with Orange Shirt Day—September 30th. I saw a lot of orange shirts out and about in Victoria and it was […]

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

What we are doing and what you can do… September 30th has been introduced as a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation by the federal government. The day—a new federal […]

Introducing the Reconciliation Dialogues

Welcome to this new Federation initiative and this new section of our website. My name is Riley McKenzie and recently joined the Federation as an Indigenous Advisor. I am Mohawk/Scottish […]

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.