Walking and Talking: Interviews with Fellow Travelers. From Vernon, BC

As we seek to walk the Good Way, it can be encouraging to be reminded that we are not walking alone. Once a month, we share a brief interview with a fellow traveler.

We spoke with this intervee at our Walking Together in a Good Way conference in Vernon BC in April 2024.

Where are you from?

Originally Manitoba, but now I live in Vernon, BC, but I am Mennonite, so in many ways being Mennonite is almost more important than where I live.

Where do you find yourself in the journey of right, just, and whole relationships between settlers and Indigenous Peoples?

To be honest, I am not sure. I worked with Indigenous People a lot in my career. I thought I knew quite a lot about them, and was very friendly with many of them. However, now that I am retired, and I have been learning more of the history, it brings a lot into question for me. So, I guess I would say that I am at the beginning of unlearning a lot. The thing is, I had all the power in my working role and I am starting to realize how much that affects a relationship. I also interacted with people when they were not at their best and that shaped how I assumed people were all the time. I am meeting new Indigenous leaders with heart and vision for their communities. I have no idea how that changes what I do going forward, but I think I want to be a part of their vision of the future.

What have been significant moments in this journey?

Honestly, this weekend when one of the presenters from Sylix nation invited us all to come to Pow Wows or other community events anytime. I didn’t think they would want white people there, or church people. It really blew me away how strongly he extended that invitation. At the same time an Indigenous woman, from up north told us about the racism she experienced in our community just last week. I could hardly believe that people behave in those ways in our community. It makes me realize the things I am blind to.

What is one action you think (most) people can take today to move toward reconciliation in a meaningful way?

We have to listen to Indigenous People. We have lots of learning and unlearning to do.

One resource you think everyone should check out/read?

Becoming Kin by Patty Krawec. It is beautiful and invitational.