On Monday, the community gathered in front of City Hall, as the City of Lethbridge kicked off Reconciliation Week. Opening ceremonies included a range of speakers who brought messages of reflection and understanding to the community.
Indigenous Relations Specialist Echo Nowak says Reconciliation Week is a shared purpose. “To heal, to mend and to move forward together.”
Reconciliation is not just a word, it’s a commitment to understanding, respect and unity, notes Nowak. “We acknowledge the past with all its pain and the mistakes. We recognize the hurt that has been caused and the divisions that have been created. But today, we choose to look forward to build bridges instead of walls and to find common ground where once there was only discord.”
According to Nowak, reconciliation requires courage. “It demands we listen, more than we speak. That we seek to understand, rather than to be understood. It calls on us to extend a hand of friendship, even when it’s difficult. And to forgive, even when it’s impossible. We are fortunate to live in Lethbridge – that does all of this.”
Blood Tribe Councillor Travis Plaited Hair encourages everyone in Lethbridge to learn as much as they can about the history of Lethbridge. “There are a lot of awesome stories that happen just down the river in this area. Our ancestors camped here, down by the river. I’ve heard of so many stories.”
“That’s what reconciliation is all about – to learn. The more you learn about your neighbours, the better you’re going to get along,” adds Plaited Hair.
Lethbridge and Area Metis Association Elder Alice Bissonette says everyone should take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of reconciliation to understand. “It can only make us all better.”
Bissonette commends Mayor Blaine Hyggen, City staff and volunteers in the community for all the work they do, “because without this work there wouldn’t be such a great reconciliation movement in Lethbridge.”
“When this first started to now, it has come leaps and bounds,” adds Bissonette.
In Canada, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Sept. 30.
