Fostering a deeper understanding of Reconciliation for newcomer youth

Interested in addressing Truth and Reconciliation, the Regina Open Door Society (RODS) remains committed to offering programming designed to help newcomer youth gain a deeper understanding of the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. By acknowledging the past in an inclusive way, the engagement sessions, led by local Indigenous leaders, helped to break down stereotypes and promote respect for Indigenous identities and perspectives.

The Youth Indigenous Education program, developed by RODS, offers an immersive and inclusive learning environment that furthers newcomers’ understanding of the land they now call home. The INVOLVE program, focused on Integrating Newcomers with Volunteer Opportunities to add Leadership Value through Education, includes hands on workshops, led by Indigenous community members, to ensure that the work of Reconciliation can be put into action. Both programs have received support from the Multicultural Initiatives Fund over the years.

“Sometimes people who are new to this place might have preconceived notions or opinions about Indigenous people that may not be correct,” says Joely BigEagle, an interdisciplinary artist and the co-founder of Buffalo People Arts Institute, who helped facilitate the sessions. “So it is important for there to be a point of connection to share the truths about how Indigenous people shaped and influenced Saskatchewan and Canada, as the original peoples.” She appreciated the opportunity to share her creativity and culture with these newcomer youth, while being a positive role model from the community.

Participants in the sessions learned about the history and inter-generational impact of the residential school system and other colonial policies on Indigenous peoples and communities. According to Zuhal Latif, team leader, Welcoming Community For Newcomers, “Learning about these historical injustices is crucial for recognizing their ongoing impacts and the need for Reconciliation. [The engagement sessions] are able to provide participants with skills and strategies for engaging with Indigenous communities in respectful and meaningful ways.”

The sessions have included a variety of hands-on learning opportunities such as field trips to Wanuskewin, Indigenous-led cooking classes, as well as attending pow wows around the community. Latif says that, while there can be struggles to appropriately address some of the more complex issues of colonization, RODS has expressed a feeling of pride in fostering respectful and meaningful connections between Indigenous and newcomer populations.

As for BigEagle, she feels the cultural-sharing and knowledge exchange has led to incredibly positive outcomes. “I loved working with the youth from other countries. Even though they may have had various issues of why they had to leave their country, they were all very positive youth, eager to learn and be engaged in the activities.”