What we do
The aim of Circles for Reconciliation is to establish trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples as part of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The means to achieve this is the creation of small gatherings of an equal number of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in discussion circles.
Every Circle needs five Indigenous and five non-Indigenous participants. Relationships are built by equal voices.
How we do it
- Each group of ten participants, led by two trained facilitators, meets weekly or biweekly for seven gatherings 90 minutes in length.
- These seven meetings allow for the beginnings of respectful relationships, which the TRC stresses is the basis of reconciliation.
- The participants sit in a circle, providing greater opportunities for sharing and being respectful of traditional Indigenous values and customs.
- Themes for each Circle continue to be developed and, where necessary, are being adapted to different Indigenous customs and practices across Canada.
Progress on our Fundraising Goal of $50,000.00
Circles for Reconciliation (CFR) is announcing a “Fundraising for Reconciliation Efforts Campaign” to continue with our circle activities and events.
The landscape is changing fast for reconciliation efforts and all non-profits. On January 16th, 2025 CFR received two emails within 1.25 minutes of each other, indicating our project was not selected for continuous support funding. The total of these two grants were one million dollars for three years of core and growth funding. Our organization was shocked as we were patiently waiting most of the 2024 year to hear back from these partners. Then this sad news came our way.
This unexpected and devastating turn of events has created a temporary cash flow crunch for our operations as we await the outcome of pending grant applications. Word is expected sometime in July, 2025.
Please read more details at this link.
June 23, 2025
A heartfelt thank you to Canada Life!
Circles for Reconciliation is incredibly grateful for Canada Life’s generous $20,000 donation. This support comes at a critical moment while we await crucial grant decisions in July 2025, allowing us to regain our normal momentum in the reconciliation journey so many are waiting to begin.
Thank you, Canada Life, your support makes a difference.
Donations totalling $2763.63 have also been received.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our special fundraiser as we continue in our reconciliation efforts!
How to Respond
Please use the red “Donate” button below to bring up a “pop-up” donation form using the secure technology of CanadaHelps.
DONATE
Should the form not function on your system, this link provides an alternative secure page.
CFR appreciates the volunteer drone photography and editing services provided by Colin Bennett for this meaningful video.
The Circles for Reconciliation team is pleased to present our 2024 Newsletter in a “flip book” style which can also be downloaded. We know that you will find many stories of hope and advancement of the reconciliation journey within the pages.
Edited and designed by Leena Tetrault
Click on the small image to view.
This particular edition is dedicated to the hard work and life of Rick Demas (our previous editor) as a Residential School Survivor and all others who were in or never returned home from these terrible schools. Rick passed away suddenly on April 8, 2024.
Mínwastá Kákike (to repair forever)