Reconciliation Begins Within

The Cause

The Michel First Nation family has been badly broken beginning with enfranchisement in the 19th Century, followed by residential schools and the 60s scoop. Families became separated and connections lost. Individuals lost their identity, their traditional values and their community. In order to heal this has to be recognized and the current generations are expressing interest in learning who their families are, what their traditions are and, ultimately, who they themselves are.
Twice a month we will meet an Elder will open the group with a blessing, a simple lunch will be served followed by teaching of traditional arts, activities.

Who Will it Benefit?

At the outset the actual participants will benefit - this will include adults and young people together. They will then be able to carry this learning to their families and their peers. In this way they will develop their own identity and be able to take pride in what they have learned and who they are. For example, how proud a young woman would be to be able to give a gift to her grandmother something she had made herself, perhaps earrings or a leather pouch. What a tremendous boost in self-worth this would give her. She would then share this feeling with her peers and they would hear her pride and, hopefully, want to participate.