Two Williams Lake locals are teaming up to tackle tough conversations as they lead two free workshops on reconciliation Sept. 21 and Sept. 29.
Facilitators Aubrey Jackson, a member of the Gitxsan of Damlaxhamid and hereditary title holder as Xsimoyget Yal, and Margaret-Anne Enders, of Awakenings Anti-Racism, will be hosting two free day-long workshop in preparation for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The workshop is titled Reconciliation in Canada: from Adversaries to Allies and will be offered twice, once on Saturday, Sept. 21 and then Sunday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both days will be limited to 10 participants.
The workshops are sponsored by Orange Shirt Day, so will be free for anyone, will include lunch and will offer an opportunity for "courageous conversations in a supported environment," said Enders.
With a goal of "sparking dialogue" and prompting people to imagine the way we want to live together, the duo said they hope to help people become more aware of how our society was shaped.
They will be highlighting some local history which is not well known, including letters written by Chief William of the Williams Lake First Nation which will be used to share stories of the history of the T’exelcemc (Williams Lake First Nation people) and a period of landlessness they went through.
"I think we're learning now that some of our learnings were lacking or slanted," said Enders.
Beyond learning about some of the historic injustices which took place, Jackson said he also hopes attendees can identify areas where they can have influence and hold leaders accountable to calls for action.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report in 2015, including 94 calls to action. By the end of 2023, the pair said only 13 of those calls to action have been completed, so people need to learn how they can grow a healthy community and lead from within.
"Awareness is really important as far as making change," said Jackson, noting a large part of reconciliation has to come from within.
Ever the optimist, Enders said they also hope to find something else during the workshops: joy.
To register or either date of the free workshops, email: margaret-anne@awakenings-anti-racism.com or call 778-267-9234 or go to Awakenings-anti-racism.com.