MHC, Miywasin team up to present Healing and Reconciliation Week

By Medicine Hat News on February 20, 2019.

NEWS FILE PHOTO
The main entrance to Medicine Hat College is seen in this undated file photo. The college's board of governors has passed a balanced $58-million budget.

Medicine Hat College and the Miywasin Friendship Centre are partnering for the fifth annual Healing and Reconciliation Week from Feb. 25 to Mar. 1.

Healing and Reconciliation Week offers an intensive learning experience about the past, present and future of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and legacy of residential schools for Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants from all walks of life.

“We all have a part in reconciliation and welcome everyone with an open heart,” said MHC Indigenous student specialist Whitney Ogle. “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.”

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 Monday with a pipe ceremony at MHC and Sacred Fire across the Trans-Canada Highway at Saamis Tipi. A special youth event with First Nations entertainers will be held at the Esplanade that 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, among other topics.

These workshops run at various times and locations on Feb. 26 and 27.

The REDress Project, REDx Talks, Blanket Exercise, Walk for Reconciliation and Metis presentations will also be part of the journey.

“This environment of knowledge-sharing will set the stage for participants to be involved in our shared history as well as our shared reconciliation,” Ogle said.

“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.”

All events are free of charge, but registration is required, which can be done at mhc.ab.ca/HRW.

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