Students demonstrate Reconciliation while learning on First Nation land
March 22, 2023 (WINNIPEG) – A Reconciliation project will bring 50 First Nation, Métis, Inuit and non-Indigenous high school students to Manitoba from across Canada to share Indigenous land-based knowledge.
The gathering is the first-of-its-kind initiative launched by Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP), an independent non-profit committed to relationship-building and supported by Rotary Districts and Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast.
John Currie, HIP Executive Director, said the March 25-31 gathering of 15-18-year-olds, will raise awareness and promote understanding between youth on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action and Treaty relations while inspiring them to take action towards environmental sustainability.
“Through education, interaction, and practice, the program provides a deeper understanding of reconciliation for youth and nurtures strong leaders to drive change in their communities and beyond.”
Arriving in Winnipeg on March 25th, the youth contingent and their chaperones will get acquainted during a tour of the city conducted by local Rotarians before traveling to Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness for four days of Indigenous cultural and land-based teachings.
“These are members of our next generation of leaders,” said Mahpiya Ska Tiospaye, Grandmother Katherine Whitecloud, a member of the Knowledge Keepers Council for Turtle Lodge, which is located 120 kilometers north of Winnipeg on Sagkeeng First Nation territory. “They will share the teachings of responsibility to land, water, our relatives of the land, and to each other. This knowledge is vital to the survival of our Mother the Earth.”
Back in Winnipeg, the group will visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, one of the project’s partners, along with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
“Working together provides the opportunity to learn more about each other, whether paddling together in canoes or participating in a sharing circle,” said Chris Snyder, HIP chairperson. “These engagements broaden youth’s horizons and provide a foundation for lifelong friendships.”
Media are invited to the closing ceremonies which begin at 4 pm on March 31st at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, featuring a presentation by Ray “Coco” Stevenson – a motivational speaker who blends pow wow and contemporary music. Youth participants will be available to talk about their Y2Y experiences.
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For Interviews of media inquires please contact:
John Currie (he/him)
HIP Executive Director
T: (647) 478-8620
E: [email protected]
W: www.honouringindigenouspeoples.com