It’s been a year of reflection, and learning. Some triumphs, and a lot of mistakes. A year ago, we were still struggling under the weight of a shameful part of of our country’s history. The image of Canada, many grew up with, torn to shreds by revelations of unmarked graves at residential schools across the country.

In Halton, two local women Sherry Saevil and Jody Harbour have created the Grandmother’s Voice. It started as a healing garden, and grew into what their website describes as an “Urban Indigenous Foundation for Hope and Wellness, located at the Country Heritage Park. It’s a place that encourages curiosity about one another, and community connection. The group marked the first annual National Truth and Reconciliation Day with a “Survivor’s Walk that wound through the grounds honouring those who survived, and the memory of those who didn’t.

Land acknowledgements are now a part of every public event from sporting events to town meetings. The Region of Halton pledged itself to a working relationship with the Mississaugas of the New Credit by signing an official relationship agreement. It’s thought to be one of the first in the country. There is definitely an increased spotlight on Indigenous issues, and contributions to Canada. Although we still miss a lot, we can continue learning by sharing stories.

The majority of Residential Schools were run by the Catholic Church. A Papal visit this week started off with an official apology from Pope Francis in Maskwicas Alberta on Cree lands. It felt like it was an historic day, the significance of which will be determined by events going forward. It’s one thing to say the words. Another thing to back them up with actions. But if we continue learning from, and listening to each other then we can work towards the Canada that benefits everyone.