February 15, 2019

In friendship and collaboration, Medicine Hat College and the Miywasin Friendship Center welcome the community and region to the 5th Annual Healing and Reconciliation Week from Feb. 25 – Mar. 1, 2019.

Healing and Reconciliation Week is intended for Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants from all walks of life who are open to an intensive learning experience regarding the past, present and future of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and Residential Schools Legacy.

“We all have a part in reconciliation and welcome everyone with an open heart. It is important we work as a collective in sharing the history of Canada. Through that reconciliation brings education and education, I believe, is the foundation in moving forward,” says Whitney Ogle, Indigenous student specialist at MHC.

Ceremonies, activities and workshops will share and celebrate the journey of Canada’s Indigenous people and challenge participants to grow in their awareness and understanding. The week begins on Monday, Feb. 25 with a pipe ceremony at Medicine Hat College and Sacred Fire at Saamis Tipi. A special youth event with First Nations entertainers will be held at the Esplanade in the evening. Conference workshops with Indigenous leaders, educators and performers will focus on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, expressive arts, medicines and addiction, teaching teachers about reconciliation and other topics. These workshops run at various times and locations on Tuesday, Feb. 26 and Wednesday, Feb. 27 and registration is required. The REDress Project, REDx Talks, Blanket Exercise, Walk for Reconciliation and Métis presentations will also be part of the journey. All events are free of charge.

“This environment of knowledge-sharing will set the stage for participants to be involved in our shared history as well as our shared reconciliation. Healing and Reconciliation Week has been created as a respected collaboration with the guiding principle of walking toward a path of reconciliation now, and for our future generations. We are so excited about the opportunities and experiences this week will provide.”

Registration is now open for conference workshops. For the complete schedule of events and presenter biographies, please visit www.mhc.ab.ca/HRW.