Reconciliation starts with Understanding 

 The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) Team for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (TIDE) organized several learning opportunities for staff around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The activities included: 

• Lunchtime video screening of visit by comedian Jonny Harris to Oneida Nation of the Thames (via CBC Gem), 
• Sunrise Ceremony at Pittock Conservation Area, led by Mary Lou Smoke, 
• Reflections on land acknowledgements and how to develop personal introductions when working with Indigenous people, 
• Exploring a large, interactive floor map of Indigenous Canada., 
• Orange lighting overnight at the gatehouses to Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas. 

Earlier in the fall, TIDE hosted a lunchtime discussion of “52 Ways to Reconcile,” by David A. Robertson, and organized a group purchase of orange “Every Child Matters” t-shirts from a local Indigenous vendor for interested staff. 

The UTRCA is undertaking Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for all staff and Board members over the next few months, led by a local Indigenous consultant. The training sessions for staff begin in November and will continue in the New Year. 

Sunrise Ceremony at Pittock Conservation Area