This very moment calls us to build genuine trust and relationships with Indigenous peoples and to take real action toward decolonizing not just history, but the systems we live and work within.

With guidance from cultural facilitator Sussan Yáñez, we began a reflexive journey of rethinking our practices and relationships.

We approached the Indigenous welcome differently this time!

Instead of treating it as a formality, we took this meaningful opportunity to pause, to reflect on how our sector engages with Indigenous peoples, and especially with Elders.

The session concluded with a guided meditation led by Elder Norm, encouraging participants to find, see, and feel their connections to the land and water, and most importantly, to one another.

Learn more about AMSSA's Truth and Decolonization resources: www.amssa.org/category_res...

As a Black African woman, Winnie shared that learning about the realities Indigenous peoples face here in Canada also stirs something familiar within us, the echoes of our own histories and the harms of colonization that many of us still carry.

Elder Norm Leech emphasized that we are all Indigenous to the Earth, and when we come to a new place, the best approach is to ask those who have lived there the longest. In the place we now call Canada, that means Indigenous peoples.

The workshop was held in a circle, inviting participants to share their thoughts and experiences related to the Truth and Reconciliation process, and to explore ways to engage newcomers in conversations about decolonization, Indigenous history, and reconciliation.

We were also joined by Anastasia Chyz-LeSage from IRCC BCY, who offered valuable reflections on the federal perspective and ongoing support for rural and remote service delivery.

Opening remarks from Katie Crocker and Sabrina Dumitra of AMSSA reminded us of the strength that comes from collaboration, reciprocity, and community-rooted service.