Talking Circles
Have you heard of an Indigenous Talking Circle? Talking circles are based on the sacred tradition of sharing circles. People leading a traditional sharing circle will have a blessing from an Elder to do this and will use special prayers and sacred objects in the ceremony. The purpose of the less formal talking circle, used as part of classroom instruction, is to create a safe environment in which students can share their points of view with others. In a Talking Circle, each one is equal and each one belongs. Participants in a Talking Circle learn to listen and respect the views of others. The intention is to open hearts to understand and connect with one another.
In 2023, Seba Seniors will continue the “Talking Circles” Program. Stay Tuned for announcements about more speaker series, cultural exchange events, and workshops.
Links for more resources about the topics discussed in our “Talking Circles” are listed below.
In 2022, Seba Seniors hosted a series of “Talking Circles” to help us learn every day about our past and about the mistakes made. The Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Report pointed to how we can move past our history. To do so, the series of speakers helped us to understand the background to where we are today in Canada, and in our neighborhood, to see how we can move forward to become stronger together.”
The series explored important topics such as:
- THE STORIES – Indigenous people’s stories and oral histories
- PLAINS CULTURE – use of environmental resources, Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural identity, and traditional government structures
- PAST LEGISLATION – Legislation pertaining to Indigenous peoples (i.e., the Royal Proclamation, 1763, Gradual Civilization Act, 1857, and Indian Act, 1876)
- METIS PEOPLE – identity, scrip, resistance against oppressive government policies, hunting and fishing rights, Road Allowance People, Métis Settlements, aspects of culture
- THE NUMBERED TREATIES – Indian Reserve system, Indian Affairs, and officials (i.e., Indian Agents, Police, Missionaries)
- THE COLONIAL SYSTEMS – the banning of Indigenous ceremonies (Potlatch, Sundance, Ghost Dance), loss of language, non-existent citizenship rights, treatment of Indigenous war veterans, Indian Residential Schools and Day Schools, Sixties Scoop, Indigenous child welfare, prison populations, and Indigenous health and well-being.
A Celebration and Feast was also hosted on “Truth and Reconciliation Day” or “Orange Shirt Day”. Denis Paul and his grandchildren from Paul First Nation were featured to demonstrate their culture and to perform their dance in full regalia. Stayed tuned to learn about plans for the 2023 Truth and Reconciliation Day Celebration and Feast!
Volunteers to help host our “Talking Circle – Working Towards Truth and Reconciliation” program are welcome and needed!
