Around 250 youth recently gathered in Regina for a symposium on truth and reconciliation.
The event was held at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, with the help of a youth committee and the City of Regina, through Reconciliation Regina.
“Hear our Voice – Find your Call” was the theme of the symposium.
“We have some really strong Indigenous leaders and we wanted to hear about what reconciliation means to the youth,” says City of Regina senior advisor Sheila Harmatiuk.
Workshops were offered at the event with themes that included language, culture, ceremony and leadership.
“Connection to youth is an important pillar of Reconciliation Regina,” says Janine Windolph, the Reconciliation Regina chairperson. “Reconciliation and healing can be expressed in many forms, such as art and culture, learning and practicing traditional language and listening to the elders and knowledge keepers. These workshops bring various options for healing and mentoring into daily practice.”
Harmatiuk said she hopes the symposium becomes an annual event.
“This event is unique as it was planned by a committee of young people, who are engaged and committed to reconciliation,” says Regina Mayor Michael Fougere. “The sessions were planned by and created for youth who see their role as future leaders in ensuring a brighter history and positive legacy for our community.”
(Photo courtesy of Reconciliation Regina.)