Reconciliation

We are committed to our reconciliation journey and to supporting our network organizations as they continue down their path to reconciliation.

As a Catholic organization responsible for 13 health, social and human services agencies in Manitoba, Réseau Compassion Network recognizes the role the Catholic Church has had in harms inflicted on Indigenous people. We recognize that in our many sponsored Network organizations, past care practices, ways of being and of caring for Indigenous people may have been inappropriate and caused harm. We also acknowledge that even today harm continues in other ways: through the removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities; through racism; through systemic barriers, daily injustices and inequity. 

 We cannot change the past, but we are responsible for our actions moving forward to ensure the harms and injustices that continue to be perpetrated because of colonization in Canada ends. We are called in our hearts and through our commitment to social justice to break down these systems, to call for justice, to be the change and a voice of unity and human rights. We need to do our part with Indigenous people to help end the suffering and to support healing and prospering. With focused attention, courage, curiosity, and an open heart, we hope to be recognized by Indigenous people in Canada as strong allies. We are inviting all our Network to be part of this journey.

 Réseau Compassion Network has identified four key areas of focus for its reconciliation journey.

1. Build internal knowledge and resources in support of reconciliation.
We understand that the way forward will only be possible if we continue of learning and unlearning from our past. This knowledge and understanding of the truth will help to awaken our hearts and deepen our resolve and commitment to this important journey.

2. Join in relationships with Indigenous people.
We are committed to build relationships with Indigenous people. In doing so, we commit to deep listening, to learning and to bearing witness. This will lead to a deeper understanding that will guide our continued work and journey toward change.

3. Partner in transformational projects when we are invited.
Through our relationships, we will be open to innovative and creative ideas that will respond to the needs of Indigenous people. Be it through new partnerships or through our Network organizations initiatives, Réseau Compassion Network will invest resources to ensure impactful healing reconciliation initiatives are able emerge.

4. Work with and support the reconciliation journey of our Network organizations.
Réseau Compassion Network has a responsibility to ensure that each one of its sponsored organizations are following their respective reconciliation journey and creating culturally safe environments. No matter where a Network organization is today, we will find ways to support and enhance this important work.

 We believe that reconciliation requires action.

Here are some of the first steps we have taken:

• Each senior leader and board member across the Network is required to take San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, an online program. To date, over 120 people within the Network have taken the course.
• We have hired an Indigenous Consultant to work with our network members as they chart their organizational journey of reconciliation.
• We gathered as a Network in 2022 to speak about our goals and hopes for reconciliation as each member moves down their road to reconciliation.
• We have engaged the services of an Indigenous Advisory Circle to ensure we are moving forward in ways that respect and uphold the culture and traditions of Indigenous people, as we strive to better serve and welcome them.
• Many of our network members have created Knowledge Keeper positions to help guide all staff and participants/clients/patients.
• We formed a relationship with Clan Mothers that led to the transfer of 130 acres of land from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for the creation of the Clan Mothers Healing Village, located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg near Belair. The gesture of women religious returning land to Indigenous grandmothers as they create programs to support women in their communities served as an important and symbolic act.

Acknowledging First Nations and Our History

Réseau Compassion Network and its members acknowledge that we work and live on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Nehethowuk, Ininiwak, Nehiyawak, Dakota Oyate, and Denesulin people, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We respect the treaties that were made on these territories and would also like to acknowledge the mistakes, the actions and lack of action in the past that have caused many harms to the Indigenous people of Canada. Those harms can never fully be counted. Those harms can never be undone.

As much as we would like, we cannot change the past. We are however responsible for our actions here and now, on this sacred land. Let our actions contribute to a more loving and compassionate world where we move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.