Volunteer For Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Canada is calling on volunteers who are willing to donate their time and energy to Reconciliation Week 2013, September 16-22. Volunteer will help us build a stronger relationship among Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians and facilitate a better and stronger Canada for all.

Reconciliation Canada

Reconciliation Canada is a charitable project established as a collaboration between the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society (IRSSS) and Tides Canada Initiatives Society (TCI).

Reconciliation Canada is the organization mandated to carry forward reconciliation dialogue activities in the Province of British Columbia by the executives of the First Nations Summit, the BC Assembly of First Nations and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (collectively known as the First Nations Leadership Council).

In the spirit of Nam’wiyut (we are all one), the initiatives of Reconciliation Canada create opportunity for Canadians, Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians, to learn about the impacts of residential schooling, heal together by sharing knowledge and experience, and develop strategies for moving forward in a mutually positive manner. It’s not about blame, politics or money, but about providing opportunities for reconciliation through dialogue workshops, community outreach and a series of events that align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s national event in September.

Reconciliation Week 2013

Reconciliation Week is a collaboration between Reconciliation Canada and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission National Event will take place from September 18-21, and Reconciliation Canada will host activities before and after, culminating in the Walk for Reconciliation and A New Way Forward Celebration:

All Nations Canoe Gathering, Vanier Park to Science World, 9am – 3pm – Tuesday September 17th

• Walk for Reconciliation, Georgia Street to Creekside Park, 8:30am – 11am – Sunday September 22nd
• A New Way Forward Celebration, Creekside Park, 10am – 3:30pm – Sunday September 22nd

The walk will be a historic event where 50,000 people are expected to join us from all ages, backgrounds and cultures. The Walk for Reconciliation is designed to transform and renew the very essence of relationships among Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians. It sounds so simple, but just the act of gathering and walking and sharing our stories can join us all in a shared commitment to creating a new way forward in our relationships with each other.

How can you help?

Event-day positions are varied, and include the opportunities listed below. The length of the shift will depend on the event that you’re volunteering with and the specific role that you take on during the day. The average shift length is 4 hours and we’ll make sure you’re able to take a break. Volunteers will also receive a souvenir volunteer t-shirt and refreshments during their shift.

• Information Services
• Food & Beverage 
• Traffic Control 
• Course Marshal 
• Media Support
• Stage Runners
• Volunteer Tent
• VIP Host
• Canoe Launch/Landing Crew 

At Reconciliation Canada, volunteers are our most valuable resource and everyone is treated equally. Whether assisting with the All Nations Canoe Gathering, the Walk for Reconciliation, or the New Way Forward Ceremony, volunteering with Reconciliation Canada during Reconciliation Week provides benefits to every volunteer. You will have the opportunity to personally contribute to the reconciliation process, meet and work with like-minded people on a common goal of importance to our nation build confidence and skills to enhance your knowledge of the Indian Residential School System, its intergenerational effects, and positive steps towards healing for Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians.

SFU Supports Volunteers

In order to encourage volunteers from SFU, the University has encouraged all instructors to accommodate student volunteers without risk of academic penalty for all who wishes to participate in TRC and Reconciliation Canada events and activities during the week of September 16-22. 

SFU also wishes to recognize those who help out by including them in our Online Learning Community articles for special features on dedicated volunteers. If you are a volunteer and wish to share your story, please email Christina Coolidge at cmaxson@sfu.ca

Prizes

SFU’s Career Services will be offering a draw for a gift certificate for a pair of unique Rain Boots from http://www.latashnativearts.com, as well as a

wool blanket from the Office of Aboriginal People, t-shirts from the Indigenous student center and other prizes. The names of all SFU students who volunteer for the Day of Reconciliation will be put in the draw. 

Join Us

This is a gathering of all the peoples in Canada. Let your heart be open and your voice be heard. Stand up for ‘Namwayut—We Are All One. 

Sign-up to volunteer now!