What’s it all about?
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.
The means to achieve this is the creation of small gatherings of an equal number of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in discussion circles. Currently, Circles have been held in four provinces across Canada with more on the horizon.
Each group of ten participants, led by two trained facilitators meets weekly or biweekly for ten gatherings 75 minutes in length. These ten 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 consensus 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.
There is no cost for individuals to participate, only a common interest in working toward truth and reconciliation and equality of opportunity for Indigenous people. Our Guiding Principles for these circles are for the safety, dignity and respect for all participants.
Individuals as well as First Nation Bands, schools, colleges and universities, parents of students, faith groups, corporations, health and socials services agencies, service clubs and others are invited to attend. We welcome new Canadians who can learn and experience what it is to be a Treaty person.
For further information on how you can participate, email us (info@circlesforreconciliation.ca) or call
Raymond Currie at 1-204-487-0512
If you would like copies of our pamphlet to distribute to other potential participants, please feel free to view, download or print it here.
Members of the Advisory Committee
Raymond F. Currie – Project Coordinator
Clayton Sandy – Indigenous Ambassador
Ingrid Dowan – Indigenous Recruiter, Event Coordinator and Project Advisor
Linda Connor – Social Studies Curriculum Consultant, Manitoba Education and Training
Clarence Ens – Mental Health Therapist, WHRA
Chantal Fiola – Assistant Professor, University of Winnipeg
Katelyn Mackenzie – Office and Research Assistant, Instructor, University of Winnipeg
Jack Mercredi – Office of the Manitoba Ombudsman, recently retired
Kali Leary – Principal Consultant, Sage Solutions
Ruth Shead – Coordinator, Indigenous Achievement, University of Manitoba
Maraleigh Short – Coordinator, Newcomer Youth Wellness Program, YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
Mary Warmbrod – Family Therapist, Aurora Family Therapy Centre
“I am a Wakka Wakka person living in Bundjalung Country on the east coast of Australia. The image for me is about women’s healing and the different shades of our skin since the colonization and introduction of genocide and that no matter what we look like we still have a place in the circle. The leaves we use when we dance to prepare an area for ceremony by cleansing”.
Belle Arnold