Reconciliation

Brian Hawker doesn’t see the issue of “Reconciliation” in isolation from the bigger Canadian picture. The “Indian problem” is typically described using shocking statistics about diabetes, poverty, suicide . . . The problem is isolated. It exists “over there”. To him this is an unfortunate illusion which allows busy people with other priorities to abdicate responsibility. It has become a pebble in our collective shoe. It doesn’t paralyze but it slows us down, obstructing our attempts to create a common story, a common vision.

Neither the problem nor the solution is “over there”. A structure that works will not simply follow from educating First Nations people to the point where they will be able to manage and participate in an aboriginal version of a free enterprise urban-style democratic system. It will emerge but it will emerge in a way that we cannot predict because we will not be able to see it until we create the conditions necessary for it to be seen. The path is emergent with each small success informing us of what the next step must be.

This talk will provide suggestions for all of us to participate in a country that is a true community of many diverse cultures.

Nursery Care with Ash will be available for this service.

Please email admin@guelph-unitarians.com for the Zoom link.