Our Journey Continues
One of the things that brings me the greatest sense of hope and gratitude is witnessing our collective commitment to learning, unlearning, and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous partners and communities.
This work is not a destination. It is a journey. A journey rooted in humility,
curiosity, respect, and relationship building.
Over the past several months, teams across the Y have continued to
deepen their understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Whether through sharing circles with our philanthropy team, child care
teams, OLT, or camp teams, we are learning to slow down, listen differently,
and appreciate the power of gathering with intention. For many, it is a new
experience. For others, it is a chance to keep learning and growing. For all
of us, it is a gift.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a smudging ceremony and
sharing circle during a time when I was navigating grief. I did not
anticipate how impactful the experience would be. In a way that is difficult
to fully describe, I felt deeply connected, not only to those gathered around
me, but also to the land beneath my feet, the water, the warmth of the sun,
and the relationships that sustain us. It was a powerful reminder that
healing often happens in community and in connection with the natural
world. The experience left me feeling grounded, supported, and grateful in
ways I didn't expect.
Our camp teams have also embraced meaningful teachings shared by
Indigenous partners and friends. One example is caring for a gifted feather
entrusted to us by a dear Indigenous friend and partner at camp. He
taught us how to respectfully care for the feather and honour the
teachings that come with it. Each month, during the full moon, our team
collects moon water to feed the feather, following the guidance we were
given. It is a simple but meaningful practice that helps us stay connected
to the teachings, the land and water around us, and our ongoing
commitment to learning with respect and gratitude.
We have also been fortunate to welcome the team from Crow Shield
Lodge to many events across YMCA of Three Rivers. They have opened
important gatherings with smudging, song, prayer, and teachings,
including the IRCC Citizenship Ceremony, a University of Guelph Vet
College Day at camp, and Doors Open Waterloo Region at Ki-Wa-Y, among
others.
Every time a drum is beaten, a song is sung, or a prayer is shared, I feel
incredibly honoured to be present. These moments feel deeply moving
and spiritual. What brings me even greater joy is watching the faces of
those around me as they experience it for the first, second, or even third
time. You can see the curiosity, reflection, connection, and often a sense
awe unfolding before you. One colleague quietly remarked, “What a
beautiful way to start the day,” and I couldn't agree more.
Truth and Reconciliation calls on all of us to continue learning. It asks us to
challenge what we know, make space for different perspectives, and build
authentic relationships based on trust and respect. At its core, this work is
about people and the relationships we choose to nurture.
I am proud of how our teams across the Y continue to show up with open
hearts and open minds. While we have much more to learn, I am grateful
for the steps we are taking together and for the partners who walk
alongside us on this journey. I am equally grateful for the ways these
relationships and teachings continue to shape us, not only as professionals,
but as people.
Our Y continues to take steps, both big and small.
Miigwetch to all who continue to teach, guide, and inspire us.
Caitie Wright, VP, Camping and Youth and member of the JAIDE Indigenization and Decolonization stream.