Circles on Indigenous Worldviews initiated by IofC Canada, provides a platform for Indigenous peoples in Canada to share their experiences with non-Indigenous Canadians.
This is timely because on September 30th Canada held the first annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and this platform is one way to help deepen the learning and understanding of Canada’s history with the Indigenous Peoples, as they share from their different perspectives.
On October 9th, 2021, the first to share her worldview was Elder Regena Crowchild from the Tsuut’ina Nation, near Calgary Alberta. She was introduced by Dr. David Swann, a former Leader of the Alberta Liberal Party. Regena has previously served as a Council member on the Tsuut’ina reserve. From 1990 to 1994 she was President of the Alberta Indian Association, representing people from Treaties 6,7 and 8. Regena has twice been to the UN, to lobby for Indigenous rights.
Thirty viewers connected in via Zoom, from across Canada, with a few from the USA, UK and continental Europe.
Regena led us through the history of Indigenous People beginning with the Doctrine of Discovery where settlers were told the inhabitants of the land were not human because they weren’t Christian, to the creation of Treaties, broken promises, The Indian Act, and Residential Schools, all created with the Canadian Government as representatives of the British Crown. The impact is still ongoing today in the lives of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island (North America). Regena spoke with passion, and at times the anger and hurt she has experienced broke through. She said Canada has failed to teach her citizens the true history of this land.
When asked what keeps her going… how is she able to continue with all the feels, Regena said “Through prayer. I believe God loves us all and we have to find a way to get along”.
Regena challenged those on the call to keep learning, talk with First Nations around you, find out what can be done in our local communities. Keep the momentum going to aid the ongoing need for healing, before true reconciliation can happen. View Conversation here.
Anne Hartnell
(Header photo credit - Joy Newman. 125th commemoration of the signing of Treaty Seven at Crowfoot Crossing)