From the Heart is a space for the reflections of our staff on issues that matter to them, to our network, and most importantly, to those we walk alongside.
This summer, I was invited to witness Pope Francis’s apology for the treatment of Indigenous children in residential schools during his visit to Maskwacis, Alberta. Archbishop LeGatt, who helped organize the trip, gave me the opportunity to continue my journey of learning and unlearning, and I had the privilege of traveling west with a group of survivors and their families.
Dozens of us rode a bus that took us from Winnipeg to the grounds of the former Ermineskin Residential School, located approximately 70 kilometres south of the city of Edmonton. The Pope spoke there, in a location that evokes many memories for those forced to attend residential schools. It was a powerful moment for all in attendance.
Although it’s not my place to speak about other people’s experiences or perspectives, I would like to share two quotes from the Pope’s apology that have been very grounding for me when it comes to the reconciliation work happening within our network.
“Yet it is right to remember, because forgetfulness leads to indifference and, as has been said, ‘the opposite of love is not hatred, it’s indifference… and the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.’ ”
To me, as a person and as a leader, this is a reminder that our work must begin with understanding and knowledge. The more we learn and unlearn, the less we can be indifferent to what comes next. Once our hearts are cracked open, we cannot look away and we cannot be indifferent. This guiding principle reminds us that leading with the heart will never lead us astray.
In referencing a way forward, the Pontiff also said, “We are speaking of processes that must penetrate the heart.”
These words also speak to the road we are embarking upon. There are many unknowns ahead for us at Réseau Compassion Network. We are working with an Indigenous Advisory Circle, and a working group that is helping us to plan a Reconciliation retreat this November. We hope this retreat will allow our network members to come together and better understand what is required to move forward in a respectful and inclusive manner. We want to co-create spaces, organizations and services that are not only reconciled, but safe and trusted places for all those who come through our doors.
We often wonder if we are doing enough, if we understand enough, if we can truly make an impact in our organizations and in our communities. The words spoken by Pope Francis remind me that if we find ways to connect, to understand and to deeply feel the importance of this work, we cannot help but move forward in a positive way.
It was a privilege to meet and learn with survivors, and beyond the apology itself, what I felt deeply was that we must move forward together. We are grateful to all of those in the Indigenous community who have so generously offered to share their knowledge with us, to walk alongside us as we move towards reconciliation, to allow us to find the balance between leading and following. These are true gifts, and we cherish them.
As we begin another busy fall season, we look forward to reflecting, planning, and learning together as we find ways to penetrate the hearts of all those we work with, care for and support.
All the best,
Daniel Lussier