February 7, 2018

 

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is hosting the Journey of Reconciliation Conference on February 14 to 17, 2018 in partnership with the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat and Sunrise Rotary Club, Miywasin Friendship Centre and The Blood Tribe Department of Health. Hosted on campus, this event is open to the community and free of charge.

“As a post-secondary institution we are always looking for ways to educate and support all of our communities. This is an opportunity for people to come together and explore a shared history - one which can be very emotional and eye opening – to see what role we can all take in reconciliation,” says Dr. Denise Henning, president and CEO at MHC.

Activities include Red Talks, in which speakers from different Nations share their stories, truths and realities; the Sacred Fire, a ceremony in which Elders and Knowledge Keepers honour the beginning of the conference; The REDress Project, an exhibit to honour and bring awareness of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Woman of Canada; and the KAIROS Blanket Exercise and Round Dance which is an immersive teaching tool to share the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

On a rotating basis will be sessions to educate attendees on topics including the legacy of Residential Schools, the miracle of forgiveness, healing through art therapy, Native traditional games and realities, and stories of our Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women of Canada.

“We hope that people will have an open heart and come and be part of this very hands on, interactive learning opportunity,” says Whitney Ogle, Indigenous student specialist. “We are welcoming Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners on campus to give a voice to our shared history. We are honoured to be able to host a conference that brings everyone together.”

Registration is currently open. Participants are welcome to attend the entire conference or select sessions. For more information visit www.mhc.ab.ca/JOR.