Speaking Our Truths: The Journey Toward Reconciliation – Part 1

Culture is expressed in the worldviews of peoples from different backgrounds, lived experiences and histories. It is fostered through ones’ unique identification with ones’ values, beliefs, languages, and traditions. For Indigenous peoples this also includes a spiritual, social, physical, and emotional connection with the land. 

We all hold truths to help us make sense of the world around us, shaped by the values, traditions and belief systems we acquire from family and societal influences. However, few Canadians take the time to recognize, comprehend and appreciate the values, traditions and belief systems of Indigenous peoples that may be markedly different from ones’ own. This training asks participants to shift their focus from the differences of Indigenous peoples, to how ones’ own beliefs, practices and histories have impacted the health and wellness, self-esteem, and the socio-economic wellbeing of Indigenous peoples. 

In Part 1 we look at the hidden history of Canada, a history that has been largely untold that examines the attitudes, legislation and policies of the Crown that erased Indigenous peoples’ history from Canadian landscape. We examine how powerful Indigenous nations, critical allies and trading partners were devalued and systematically stripped of their lands, resources and eventually their identities. 

• Offered online through U of T’s Centre for Learning, Leadership & Culture 
• Facilitated by John Croutch, cultural competency training officer in U of T’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives 
• Duration: Two hours 
• Dates offered — participants to select one option and complete Part 1 before Part 2: 
  • January 4, 2022 from 2 – 4:00 pm
  • January 25, 2022 from 6 – 8:00 pm
  • February 23, 2022 from 2 – 4:00 pm
  • April 19, 2022 from 2 – 4:00 pm

View the Indigenous Cultural Competency Toolkit and registration form