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Weytk-p friends and Happy New Year!
As I sit gazing at the crisp sunny day outside my window, it’s hard to reconcile that beauty with a world in crisis. We have quite a ride coming up, this month and the months ahead with the rapidly changing political landscape. I hope we can remain kind to one another in the face of the upcoming election, while still highlighting issues that need urgent attention. The increasing divisiveness in our province, country, and continent has me worried about the future. Actually to state it that way - worrying about the future - highlights my privilege. My family and I still sit in relative safety and security. I may worry about the future for my children, but crises are happening now for Indigenous, Black, and Communities of Colour, who are disproportionally impacted by right wing political policies, weather events, the toxic drug crisis, and more. Despite the challenges, those same communities are often leading the way, thriving in innovation, commerce, and education, all while demonstrating care for elders, neighbours, family, and friends. There is a lot to hold here.
My go-to for the difficulties in the world is always connection. Add in a healthy dose of learning, humility, and reflection. There is power in being active. There is hope in the doing and joy in the being together. So let’s move forward in these uncertain times by growing and supporting each other. See the ideas below! There is something for everyone.
Until then, be well and hold one another in compassion and kindness.
Towards transformation,
Margaret-Anne
Awakenings Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Courses
Start the New Year off in a good way! Courses starting the week of January 27th (registration deadline for EarlyBird pricing is January 20th):
Reconciliation in Canada: from Adversaries to Allyship (full day, contact Margaret-Anne for dates or to book for your organization or friend group). The Orange Shirt Society has generously offered to sponsor these one-day workshops on Reconciliation This is a FREE workshop, facilitated by Aubrey Jackson, a member of the Gitxsan of Damlaxhamid who holds hereditary title as Xsimoyget Yal, and myself. It's a day of learning and reflection, exploring with participants how to make Reconciliation a reality in their own lives and circles.
Awakening Reconciliation & Anti-Racism: Foundations(8 sessions, Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30, $420; EarlyBird $400). This course gives you the necessary foundation and groundwork to be an effective ally and have a solid understanding of current issues and challenges in anti-racism and reconciliation.
Responding to Racist Comments and Incidents (1 full day, choose Saturday January 25th or Wednesday January 29th, 9 – 3, $120; EarlyBird $100). We all know the importance of speaking up when we witness racism or other prejudice. But that's easier said than done. In this full day workshop we will explore some of the barriers to responding and learn strategies for responding in a helpful way, that keeps relationships strong and intact.
Awakening Reconciliation & Anti-Racism 2.0 (4 sessions, Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:30, $220; EarlyBird $200) This is a more advanced course, using our foundational knowledge to analyze and discuss current issues through an anti-racism lens.
BOOK STUDIES (each is 6 sessions, $170; EarlyBird $150)
NEW! Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and Nation, by the Honourable Murray Sinclair. (Monday’s, 4:30 – 6:30). Let’s journey together to honour Murray Sinclair’s incredible life and work.
The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance, by Desmond Cole. (Thursdays, 4:30 – 6:30). This book highlights the many faces of anti-black racism still present in Canada.
Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls, by Angela Sterritt (Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30). Sterritt’s journalism, focusing on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls along the Highway of Tears, solid and compelling. This is a must read.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Saturday | |
9:00-3:00 | Responding to Racist Comments and Incidents January 29th – (one day) | Responding to Racist Comments and Incidents January 25th – (one day) | |||
4:30 – 6:30 | Sinclair: Who We Are (6 weeks) | Cole: The Skin We’re In (6 weeks) | |||
6:30 – 8:30 | Awakening Anti-Racism & Reconciliation: Foundations (8 weeks) | Awakening Reconciliation & Anti-Racism 2.0 (4 weeks) | Sterritt: Unbroken (6 weeks) |
If you’d like to take the group, but the time doesn’t work for you, please let me know. Things have a way of working out!
Please contact Margaret-Anne for sliding scale rates if the cost is a barrier.
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