Moving from Reconciliation to ReconciliACTION

BY KALLIE LAVOIE, MSW, RCSW

THIS GREAT TERM, reconciliACTION, was first presented to me by David Restoule, the Indigenous Student Support Specialist at Medicine Hat College (MHC). True to form, he was quick to say it isn’t his term, but I am grateful he shared it. ReconciliACTION is a call to move from the ideals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to tangible steps that embody a more decolonized world. One step being taken that I am excited about as a faculty member is connecting with a subject matter expert who will be reviewing curriculum and providing consultation regarding Indigenous content. Funds received from Medicine Hat College’s Rodger’s Foundation Grant have been used to contract an amazing candidate, Gladys Rowe, PhD, BSW. I look forward to learning, growing, and collaborating with Gladys.

The MHC’s Indigenous Support Office housed a practicum student this fall supervised by David Restoule. A lot of valuable discussion was held in supervision meetings about the best ways to assess student growth and learning in decolonized ways that are relevant and meaningful to cultural worldview. This poem was submitted as a part of Joshua Cross’s final evaluation and reflection of his own learning.

Indigenous Supports - Joshua Cross

Looking at my community,

Wondering where I could help.

Trying to break through barriers,

That have tried to maintain my invisibility.

But I refuse to play the cards I’ve been dealt.

In a rigged system that is defined by wealth.

Leaving the rest in poverty,

Struggling with trauma and mental health.

As I look at my community,

And I can see the disparity.

With a division that existed for centuries.

That slaughters and enslaves,

In the name of prosperity.

With many caged or beaten,

For speaking out against normative society.

When the community looks at me,

They only see the savagery.

An inconvenient Indian,

An unsanitary revulsion,

Or as an enemy.

But if only they took the time,

To actually know me.

Looking at my community,

While covered up in chains,

Was spit out, abandoned and gagged.

Engulfed my hope like it was a flame.

Left in a darkness of guilt and shame.

While also being scapegoated as the one to blame.

So, that is why I strive for change.

No matter the obstacles,

I will progress through all this pain.

I am not an animal,

I will not be tamed.

I am human not just a number or a name.

I will fight and support those who were just like me.

It doesn’t matter if they are allies, Treaty or Metis.

I will do my best to fight for thee.

For the past does not define us,

So, let’s stand together towards justice.

Our future will be bright,

So long as I am still breathing

I will never lose sight.

Like my ancestors before me who sacrificed everything for our rights,

I refuse to let their sacrifice be in vain.

I refuse to stay idle.

I refuse to stay silent.

I refuse to be a victim. B

ut I do choose to be victor!

From top to bottom: KALLIE LAVOIE is an instructor and coordinator of the Social Work diploma program at Medicine Hat College. JOSHUA CROSS is a Medicine Hat College social work student and author of the poem above.