Why We Should Read: Indigenous Relations

Why We Should Read

Submitted by Ranji & David

While the words “Truth and Reconciliation” are oft repeated, many Canadians don’t connect this to their everyday lives. The Josephs offer practical ways towards doing so.

Throughout the book, the authors implore business leaders to treat Indigenous Peoples with dignity, offering the RESPECT model for working with Indigenous communities: Research, Examine, Strategize, Present, Evaluate, Customize, Transform. Just as a successful international businessperson would research legal and cultural differences before going to another country, “why wouldn’t you research the nation you’re consulting with or the community you’re visiting? It’s not up to the community to educate you.”

A particularly compelling section of the book - that seems to be at the crux of it all - discusses self governance. “There is an emerging idea that the first steps in the treaty negotiation process should be personal and focused on community healing [of intergenerational trauma], followed by selfgovernment discussion and implementation, with land issues following later.” Joseph offers suggestions for supporting healing: contributing to the building of healing centres, women’s centres, and language revitalization programs. He reminds us to “[b]e aware that cultural survival is a fundamental driver of an Indigenous community’s decision-making process.”

The last chapter of the book talks about the personal side of reconciliation and offers suggestions for what individuals can do. Among these are discussions of the issue of cultural appropriation (such as Halloween costumes and sports team mascots). Joseph says, “When we understand what cultural appropriation is, why it’s harmful, disrespectful, and can even contribute to endangering Indigenous women and girls, then as a country, we are reconciling.”

Using suggestions from this book we can move towards Joseph’s vision: “When we are reconciled we will live together in harmony, be gentle with one another, we will be caring and compassionate. When we are reconciled, every person living here will live with dignity, purpose, and value.”

The Warmland Book & Film Collective – begun in 2018 as a response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – explores, celebrates, and learns from Indigenous authors and filmmakers. We are welcoming new members – if you enjoy friendly, spirited, and interesting conversation, email us at WarmlandBFC@ gmail.com for the zoom link. We next meet online March 9th to discuss Tilly and the Crazy Eights by Monique Gray Smith.

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Elder College Co-chairs David Denyer and Betsy Burr welcome previous and new participants to check out our exciting Spring program. Our programs are geared to those 50+ and our instructors are volunteers who are passionate about their topics and willing to share their skills, expertise and experience. Our course fees are $14. per session, plus an annual $10. membership fee to Elder College. Most indoor programs are offered in the Cowichan or Kerry Park Community Centres. Outdoor off-site classes in various locations are planned for later in the spring. On March 3rd, the popular Armchair Travel series will whisk you off to western China and on April 07, to northern Ethiopia - your experienced guide is Gwyneth Kingham. We also have gardening guru Bernie Dinter teaching a course on Spring Gardening tips on March 10.

Zentangle, on March 29, is an unique combination of meditation and art with instructor June Maffin. Conscious Aging - a four part series is offered by Dr. Judith Martin beginning March 29 will explore the aging process through discussions, readings and personal reflections. April and May programs cover a wide range of interests including Cowichan Elder local and European history, Irish

College literature, yoga, art, Spring Program birding, weeds as food, cycling, lawn bowling, retirement planning and more. Details are available online or by phone. Elder College is always looking for new ideas and instructors. If you have a course suggestion or would like to teach a course, please let us know. Volunteer instructors are key to our success. Elder College is also seeking new members to serve on the Advisory Committee. For more information please call Jennifer Carmichael at (250)748-7529. Jennifer can also connect you to our co-chairs as required. For course details, please check offerings on-line or through our Facebook page. You can also call (250) 7487529 for information or to register. https://www.CVRD.ca/2401/ Cowichan-Community-Centre Facebook https://www. Facebook.com/eldercollege