Tasha Henry (who wrote the post on “Art as Intervention”) sent an additional note pointing to a toolkit resource they had found especially helpful for teachers and professionals trying to organize reconciliation events. She noted the following tips:
- Ensure that the location is culturally safe and accessible to everyone invited.
- Ensure proper acknowledgement of the territory at the start of the event.
- Where possible, invite an Elder to open the event with a blessing and invite them to give you direction and advice to ensure proper protocol is being followed. Be sure to find out how best to honour their time and contribution.
- Where possible, explore ways to incorporate Indigenous cultural practices into the event in a respectful manner, such as singing and drumming by Indigenous community members. Make sure to honour this contribution.
- Approach guests/speakers as early as possible, and ensure that all aspects of the event including honorariums are clearly communicated in writing.
- Arrange for food and drinks. Sharing food is an essential part of the event.
- Where possible, invite participants across sectors and cultures (e.g. multicultural organizations, Indigenous organizations, faith based organizations, the justice system, restorative justice groups, Ministry of Children and Family Development, First Nations Court workers, social service workers, counsellors, health care professional, women’s organizations, child and family services etc.)
- This discussion may be triggering to some participants, so make sure that supports and opportunities for debriefing are available on-site.
- Consider funding costs to cover transportation for guest speakers if required.
(Reference: Eguchi, L., Riley, J., Nelson, N., Adonri, Q., & Trotter, S. (2016). Towards a New Relationship: Tool Kit for Reconciliation/Decolonization of Social Work Practice at the Individual, Workplace, and Community Level. Vancouver, BC: British Columbia Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from: http://www.bcasw.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Reconciliation-Toolkit-Final_May-11.pdf
Rebecca Johnson 