SHARING SETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION PRACTICES THAT WORK - INDIGENOUS DIALOGUE CIRCLES

The goal was to try to understand how to engage in the work of Truth, Reconciliation and Decolonization in a respectful manner that centers Indigenous voices and presence and to understand the role of settlement organizations in this work. [...] Goal(s): The goal of the Dialogue Circles was for BCSIS service providers to learn ways to relate to Indigenous people and center Indigenous presence in their work and their connection with newcomers. [...] To establish a meaningful connection between service providers and Indigenous leadership, all participants had to commit to be focused, active and respectful during the Circle and to participate with their cameras turned on and not to be muted. [...] The program respected the spirit of Indigenous culture, and the outcomes were not prescribed or predetermined; rather, they followed the collective progression of the Circles. [...] Sustainable: The Dialogue Circles, including the learning and the guidance provided by the Indigenous leader, laid the foundation for continuing work for longer-range contributions toward Truth, Reconciliation and Decolonization.