September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. The federal holiday is just one of the 94 calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015. We use our collective voice to call on all parties to continue to implement these calls to action as we navigate this journey of reconciliation together.
We also recognize our own duties to learn and unlearn, to decolonize our work, and to contribute in meaningful ways toward reconciliation.
In June 2020, Coady Institute launched the Circle of Abundance – Amplifying Indigenous Women’s Leadership bringing together the institute’s work with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women leaders. The Circle of Abundance provides educational opportunities, learning events, and nurtures partnerships across the country. Our approach is informed by more than a decade of working with Indigenous graduates, mentors, and Elders and emphasizes the abundance of gifts, talents, and contributions that are alive in all Indigenous communities.
We use a Two-Eyed Seeing (or Walking in Two Worlds) approach, meaning that teaching and learning practices are grounded in Indigenous worldviews, values, and teachings while sometimes using western tools and methods that align with those practices. Working alongside a Circle of Abundance Advisory Group, our team continues to look at ways to decolonize our programing both within the Circle of Abundance and across Coady while supporting Kiknu, Indigenous Student Affairs at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX).
The Building on Abundance in Indigenous Communities online course introduces Indigenous principles and practices for community work that build upon strengths and assets so that participants can help meet the needs of present-day Indigenous families, communities, and Nations. Other educational programs include our Indigenous Women in Leadership online course and the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership program.
We also have partnered with Saugeen First Nation, Further Education Society of Alberta, the Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, Native Communities Cooperative Development, and Wapna’kikewi’skwaq, Women of First Light for a various online and in person workshops, training sessions, and educational sessions.
We are eternally grateful to the Circle of Abundance team including staff, advisors, mentors, partners, participants and graduates for contributing their knowledge, skills, insights, and experiences to this work and for allowing us to walk this journey with them.
