I've been to many, many, functions, conferences, seminars where reconciliation is talked about. And often the question comes up. What does reconciliation mean to you? Or what does reconciliation look like? I think we're blessed that we have an answer right next door here with the mispronounced city called "Wetaskiwin". The Cree word, wi taskî win, means having good relations. And that's what reconciliation means; having good relations, or even more directly, to restore respectful relationships. And to do either, to develop good relations among each other, or to restore respectful relationships. It takes action to do that. Words are fine, but you need to implement those words into action. Then there's the true reconciliation. When that happens, there will be better relations among each other, with our community, with our neighbors, and indeed, with non-Aboriginals across the country. The underscoring word for reconciliation, to make it mean something that we can all do together is combining reconciliation with action. So, I coined the phrase ReconciliAction.

Dr. Wilton Littlechild
Grand Chief of the Confederation of Treaty Six Nations

• Learn the history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples

• Understand the history and legacy of residential schools

• Explore the unique intersections we have between treaty, constitutional, Indigenous, and human rights we have in Canada

• Recognize the rich contributions that Indigenous peoples have made to Canada

• Take action to address historical injustices and present-day wrongs

• Teach others

Poem for all Children - Gifts
by Kathleen Cutknife
CS 203 Legacy Project

Nitanis and nikosis
You may think it's all behind us
Why do we need to know
But no, my little ones, they were just kids.

Once like you flourishing in their homes
Laughing with brothers, sisters and cousins
Held in the comforting arms of their mother and father
Learning from grandparents in the only language they've ever known
Would they have held on tighter if they knew their life of peace would be overthrown.

When I was little I was taken away
Nikawiy was in tears and I was terrified
I think back to this moment when I learn from the past
Children confused wondering how long their absence would last

Some of our relatives returned but everything different than before
Laughter become harder
Embraces much less
Languages hidden away along with I love you's
That child a child no more

Now these children have become our Elders
The ones who survived but still carry the past
We must listen to their stories and learn all of the heartbreak
We must become a Nation led back to Wahkohtowin
Carrying one another with the strength of Sakihitowin

So nicawasimisak
I hope you understand the past is still present
It is a part of all of us
Learn it, grieve it and heal from it
Look to Kisemanito for guidance and remember all children were created
as gifts to be cherished and loved.