On September 30th, Morden will come together to walk, listen, and learn in the spirit of reconciliation. The Truth in Action Working Group (TAWG) and Genesis House are inviting the entire Pembina Valley community to join them for a morning of remembrance and action, marking Canada’s second official Truth and Reconciliation Day. This year’s event will feature a flag-raising ceremony, a community walk, and bannock sharing, creating space for reflection while encouraging people to take tangible steps toward reconciliation. Partnerships with purpose Dianne Hildebrand from TAWG says the collaboration with Genesis House was a natural fit. “We did an event together in Winkler in May,” she explained. Sophie Gerbrandt from Genesis House added that this partnership started even earlier, saying, “Yeah, we did a film screening of Rustic Oracle. That was great. That was, I think, two years ago.” The two organizations have since teamed up for initiatives that amplify Indigenous voices. Hildebrand recalled an event at Winkler Arts and Culture where “local Indigenous business owners and other professionals spoke about their experiences,” an important opportunity for the community to hear firsthand perspectives. “Truth and reconciliation is about facing truths and sitting with them, but also recognizing that we can do better,” - Dianne Hildebrand of the Truth and Action Working Group Ten years after the TRC calls to action This year marks a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its 94 Calls to Action, a milestone Hildebrand believes is important to reflect on. “Even simply the fact that this day is a holiday… Now, this is only, I think it’s only the second year that it’s actually a holiday,” she said, noting the progress made toward nationwide recognition. Gerbrandt highlighted why Genesis House continues to prioritize Indigenous awareness. “Indigenous women are three and a half to four times more likely to experience violence of all kinds within their life,” she explained. “That’s an impact of generational trauma directly from colonialism, residential schools, all of these things that Indigenous people within our communities face.” Hildebrand added that many Canadians were spurred to action by the discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential school sites. “One of the biggest things that shifted was the discovery of the bodies of children at residential schools and how many children died in those places. I think that was the shocking moment that woke up Canadians across the board.” Education as the first step For TAWG, education is the foundation of reconciliation. “This is really the primary goal of our group,” Hildebrand said. “Find ways to keep educating ourselves and make opportunities for others as well.” She recommends Canadians take advantage of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s free “lunch and learn” sessions, which revisit the Calls to Action ten years later. Gerbrandt encouraged families to engage locally, noting that “our cultural support counselor at Genesis House is putting on an Indigenous Knowledge session on Wednesday this week at the Winkler Arts and Culture Centre. It’s free to attend. You can just show up.” “Take little steps together. Attend a lunch and learn. Come to the walk. Learn, share, and have conversations with your family.” - Sophie Gerbrandt of Genesis House Taking small but Meaningful Steps Hildebrand believes that reconciliation doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. “When there’s something big like this, it’s starting. It’s taking a step, right? That would be true of a lot of the people in the Truth in Action Working Group — taking small steps and then finding other people that are wanting to learn as well and making places for that.” Gerbrandt agreed, adding, “Let’s take little steps together. I really encourage anyone who is available, and you should be available on September 30th. It’s a holiday, you’re going to be off work, the kids are going to be home from school. This is something that everyone is invited to take part in.” What to expect The day begins at 10 a.m. at the Access Event Centre with a flag-raising ceremony, drumming, and presentations. Hildebrand shared that “we have a women’s drumming group, but they say Ikweg is going to be present as well at the event. And after the presentations, then we’re going to be doing our walk together.” After the walk, participants can gather inside for bannock and conversation. “The Access Event Center space will be open for people,” Hildebrand said. “Bannock it up.” Gerbrandt added that “Alice Coffee is going to be there too. They’re donating all the funds back too, so it’s going to be great.” Families are especially welcome. Gerbrandt encouraged, “Everyone is welcome. If you’re 5, if you’re 95, come on down.” How to stay involved Even after the day ends, there are ways to keep the conversation going. Hildebrand pointed to local initiatives such as Charlie B’s Indigenous-inspired menu as a way to stay engaged. “It’s a small way just to pay homage to some of these Indigenous peoples and their food.” Both Hildebrand and Gerbrandt emphasized that reconciliation is a lifelong journey. “Truth and reconciliation is about facing truths and sitting with them, but also recognizing that we can do better,” Hildebrand said. Gerbrandt added, “Take little steps together. Attend a lunch and learn. Come to the walk. Learn, share, and have conversations with your family.” For updates and event details, follow the Truth in Action Working Group and Genesis House on Facebook.