The Coalition is made up of concerned members of the community, including survivors of residential school, representatives from local churches, and members of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee.
Our Vision
The Coalition sees reconciliation as a community movement and seeks to answer the question: How do we move forward as a community from the legacy of residential schools? We want to address issues of truth and reconciliation at the local and regional levels as identified and guided by former residential school students. The Coalition acknowledges that healing can be a long-tern process and must be driven by survivors, but also acknowledges that reconciliation at the community level is also part of the healing process. A large part of this is dialogue that promotes understanding of the past, present and future.
We acknowledge the importance of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and want to complement that work during and after the Commission's five-year mandate.
Our Purpose
To provide opportunities in Sioux Lookout, Lac Seul, and surrounding communities to complement and further the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at a local and regional level so that we can strengthen right relationships among First Nations and non-First Nations people.
Specific Outcomes for 2009
A representative from the Commission was invited to share information on the T&R process and hear concerns from members of our community.
Plans will be developed for complementing and encouraging the work of the Commission during the 5 year mandate and continuing beyond that time.
The Coalition will offer support to programs and activities for survivors’ healing. A model for on-going dialogue in the community and region will be developed which will promote healing, the building of right relationships and reconciliation.
The Coalition will meet at regular intervals to plan events and activities, to maintain contact with the Commission and to monitor progress.