ANC Participates in “Advancing Reconciliation in the Atlantic Region”
On October 25th, the Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA) invited the ANC and a number of fellow settlement organizations to participate in an event called “Advancing Reconciliation in the Atlantic Region”.
The focus was on how our organizations can collectively advance Truth and Reconciliation within our operational frameworks. The retreat took place at the Tatamagouche Centre, Mi’kma’ki (NS). For thousands of years, Tatamagouche has been a sacred and traditional gathering place for the Mi’kmaq. The Tatamagouche Centre is a charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 35 years, and is currently involved in rematriating the centre to Indigenous rightholders in a land back initiative.
The event included many important discussions, interactive activities, and a presentation from Professor Krista Collier-Jarvis who discussed “Netukulimk” – a Mi’kmaq concept that relates to sustainability around Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, and Reciprocity. There was also a visit to Riverbreeze Farm where we saw their pumpkins and fall harvest!
Thank you to ARAISA and the Tatamagouche Centre for your hospitality and for this incredibly insightful and enlightening experience. We had an amazing time and learned many ways to incorporate these themes into our practises. We would also like to commend our partner organizations for all your valuable collaboration – Cape Breton Partnership, My Ignite, New Dawn, Centre de ressources pour nouveaux arrivants au Nord-Ouest inc., Saint John Newcomers Centre.
