Submitted
A group of likeminded organizations, businesses and individuals have come together to work on reconciliation in the Battlefords area. Battlefords Regional Truth and Reconciliation formed after a gathering hosted by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.
“The legacy of colonization, residential schools, and local history continues with Indigenous people facing high rates of poverty, food insecurity, mental and physical health issues, death by suicide, and poor relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations people in our community,” said committee co-chair, Gary Nolin.
“The committee believes that Truth and Reconciliation is a way for our community to heal and is essential to improve the future of the Battlefords and surrounding area.”
Since the release of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, many communities have been exploring ways to respond. Battlefords Regional Truth and Reconciliation has organized a number of community events and activities that have given participants the chance to learn about Indigenous culture and history in this area, share their experiences and talk about systemic racism.
The collective is planning community activities to continue moving along the path of reconciliation. They are also meeting with local groups to talk about the opportunity to commit to the Calls to Action. More information can be found on the Battlefords Truth and Reconciliation page of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner website at: http://www.otc.ca/pages/battlefords_regional_truth_and_reconciliation
The First Nations and Métis Community Engagement Program, a program of the Ministry of Government Relations has provided funding for this project. BATC Community Development Corporation has also provided funding for this project.
