By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca
On November 13–14, 2024, The Meeting House in Oakville will host a pivotal gathering, entitled “Truth with Reconciliation: A Healing Framework.” This two-day conference, organized by local non-profit Grandmother’s Voice, reflects over a decade of committed work aimed at genuine healing and reconciliation for everyone living on Turtle Island. Coming just days after the passing of Senator Murray Sinclair — a monumental figure in the Truth and Reconciliation movement — the event serves as a powerful testament to his legacy and the ongoing journey toward justice for Indigenous people in Canada.
Senator Sinclair, who famously said, “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it,” dedicated much of his life to advocating for Indigenous rights and shedding light on the dark history of Canada’s residential schools. His passing reminds us of the essential, unfinished work that still lies ahead. In his spirit, A Healing Framework aspires to foster a space for listening, education, and meaningful dialogue — working towards a Canada that genuinely honours Indigenous voices and values.
Truth with Reconciliation: A Healing Framework is more than an educational event; it is a collective call to action for Canadians from all backgrounds, including educators, government officials, corporate leaders, healthcare providers, and community members, to engage actively in reconciliation. The conference will spotlight teachings from Indigenous Grandmothers, Elders, Healers, and Knowledge Keepers, offering insights into Indigenous healing methods, trauma recovery, and culturally safe service delivery.
“We’re creating a space for people to learn about the truths of Indigenous experiences and move toward reconciliation in a meaningful way,” shared Jody Harbour, a founder of Grandmother’s Voice. “Our knowledge is not free; it is priceless. This event is about shared responsibility, commitment, and the hope for a unified future.”
Despite Canada’s formal commitment to the 94 Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), only 13 have been fully implemented. Critical gaps remain, particularly in Indigenous health services under the Non-insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, where Indigenous people often find themselves with limited access to culturally-attuned care. The majority of counsellors available to Indigenous people are not Indigenous themselves, and this lack of representation and education further deepens the divide between communities and accessible, empathetic support.
“A country that was founded on the silence of genocide, the raping and pillaging of women, children, and land will never truly heal until the original peoples of this land — their culture, ethics, and ways of being — are honoured,” emphasized Harbour. She calls on Canadians to understand that these historical traumas are not isolated from the past but continue to affect the health and wellness of society as a whole.
The conference is structured to be an immersive, impactful experience. Attendees will engage in Indigenous cultural practices through song, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops that guide participants from understanding past injustices to taking actionable steps toward reconciliation.
Renowned Indigenous Wholistic psychotherapist Zoongwebines Dennis Windego will lead sessions exploring Indigenous approaches to trauma recovery. As a Residential School Survivor, Windego brings personal experience and professional insight into his sessions, which will cover Ancestral healing methods rooted in the land, traditional medicine, and community support.
Allen Sutherland, a respected Historian and Traditional Healer, also a Residential School Survivor, will discuss the interconnections between Indigenous knowledge, history, and the environment. His teachings focus on Indigenous principles of balance with the land, a fundamental belief that offers a transformative perspective on sustainability and community health.
A dedicated panel will feature Indigenous women, including Haudenosaunee Grandmothers Renee Thomas-Hill and Gail Whitlow, both co-founders of Grandmother’s Voice. These voices will speak on the vital role of Wisdom in Indigenous communities and the cultural principles essential to fostering healing and reconciliation.
This conference invites public and private organizations to reconsider their roles in reconciliation. With sessions dedicated to implementing the TRC’s Calls to Action, attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and cultural sensitivity into their workplaces and support Indigenous-led initiatives across sectors like education, healthcare, corporate practices, and social services.
Truth with Reconciliation: A Healing Framework urges Canadians to go beyond words and become active agents of change. The conference is a powerful opportunity to contribute to a society that genuinely respects and learns from Indigenous wisdom.
As Canada mourns the loss of a leader like Senator Murray Sinclair, A Healing Framework conference represents a crucial step in a shared journey toward truth and reconciliation. Whether you’re an individual seeking to deepen your understanding or an organization ready to commit to meaningful change, this event promises an enlightening and empowering experience.
Says Harbour, “Join us in learning from Canada’s original voices, understanding their stories, and honouring their invaluable contributions to the healing of this nation.”
For more details on registration and the conference agenda, visit the official event page. For an introductory look at the powerful messages this event embodies, watch this TVO video (click here or watch below), which relates to Grandmother’s Voice’s mission.
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