The BCTF (British Columbia Teacher’s Federation) has sent out mass emails to all teachers in our district (sd79) about this year’s “Reconciliation Week” which actually began yesterday, September 16th, with the lighting of a fire at Ambleside Beach near the foot of the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver. This event includes speeches by esteemed members of First Nations as well as Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She will be the keynote speaker at the Walk for Reconciliation on September 22, 2013.

The event is sponsored by many major corporations, and no fewer than five different Christian organizations.

Talk about coming around full circle and showing acceptance and support. Christian organizations, who were once involved in the dissolution and destruction of First Nations culture are now supporting this worthy cause.

Talk about forgiveness. First Nations people are willing to accept the support and walk together with organizations that caused them great harm. This is a courageous move on behalf of all First Nations people.

I applaud their efforts as First Nations people, together with members across community “…promote reconciliation by engaging Canadians in dialogue that revitalizes the relationships between Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians in order to build resilience.” (Vision statement)

Mel Burgess.