A Year of Learning Comes Full Circle: Reflecting on Ways to Reconcile

Over the past year, Ways to Reconcile has created a steady monthly space for learning, reflection, and conversation around Truth and Reconciliation. Beginning in June 2025, the series held 12 monthly gatherings based on David A. Robertson’s book, 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing. The book invites readers into 52 weeks of learning, reflecting, and taking action — and the series offered participants a facilitated space to explore that journey together.Co-designed and facilitated by Lori Whiteman and Jo Nelson, the gatherings were open to anyone, with the flexibility to join at any time. Across 12 monthly sessions, the series welcomed participants from across Canada and beyond. Some joined for a single conversation, while others returned over several months — with a number of participants attending six or more sessions. This flexible, open format allowed people to enter the learning journey wherever they were and continue at their own pace.Participants shared that the sessions helped them think about Truth and Reconciliation in ways they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to do. The conversations made room for safe sharing, honest reflection, and learning at each person’s own pace. For some, the sessions introduced new information; for others, they deepened existing awareness. As Lori reflected, many aspects of history are difficult and uncomfortable to learn about, yet participants showed courage in sharing where they were on their own learning path: “We are all learning, together.”Several moments stood out across the year. Lori recalled a particularly inspiring conversation about researching Indigenous place names. Participants shared ways they were becoming more aware of local place names in Indigenous languages, which connected powerfully to another chapter on land acknowledgments. Jo remembered a May conversation on the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, and the honest struggle of knowing which one we may be practicing at any given time. She described that conversation as profound and helpful.

The final June gathering, held during National Indigenous History Month, brought the year full circle. Special guest Michelle Good spoke about the slow pace of implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, noting that only 14 of the 94 Calls to Action have been implemented after 11 years. Her reflections challenged participants to hold onto hope and continue building energy around this important work, especially in a time when denialism and racism continue to appear in public and online spaces. One of her reminders stayed with the group: “We need to get on the same page, historically.”

The shared Mural from the final session captured some of the group’s reflections in real time. Notes from Michelle Good’s presentation included reminders to “share the truth with facts,” to approach difficult conversations as “conversation, not confrontation,” and to recognize how responses can come from power dynamics. Participants also reflected on the need to be “on the page about our history” in order to move toward a different future.

For Lori and Jo, the series also affirmed important facilitation principles. Lori named the importance of meeting people where they are, especially when exploring colonial history and the ways it remains embedded in structures that are not always visible until we shine a light on them. Jo noted that reading chapters aloud during the sessions gave everyone a shared and tangible starting point for conversation.

The series was deeply connected to ICA’s facilitation practice and values. Each session used the Focused Conversation Method, reinforcing how well ORID can support reflection on complex and meaningful topics. Lori connected the series to ICA Associates’ Working Assumptions: that we need everyone’s wisdom for the wisest results, and that listening and hearing one another is vital. Jo added that respectful inclusion is not only a value, but a practical, everyday way of acting and facilitating.

Perhaps the most meaningful contribution of the series was that it helped participants see reconciliation as something lived through everyday actions. Jo observed that having a safe space to explore practical actions made it safer for people to try those actions in their own lives. Some participants who attended sessions in sequence had taken actions between gatherings that were suggested in earlier conversations.

The Mural also invited participants to imagine what they hope to see in 10 years. Their responses pointed to practical and hopeful visions: clean water, Indigenous languages commonly heard, stronger Indigenous representation in government, true consultation with Indigenous nations about resource development, respectful communication, and Indigenous education gaps no longer being “a thing.” These reflections showed how the series helped connect personal learning with broader hopes for community and systemic change.

As this year of learning comes full circle, the hope is that participants will continue to carry forward possibilities for ongoing action — big or small. As Lori reflected, Truth and Reconciliation is both personal and professional, individual and communal. It is grounded in listening, sharing, reflecting, integrating new understanding, and taking action.

Looking ahead, Lori and Jo are also considering what might be meaningful to do together next year. The journey continues.