Linda Weatherly (L), Manager, Recreation and Volunteers and Bridget Findlay (R) MCCBC Indigenous Neighbours Coordinator share stories at the Menno Place Truth and Reconciliation gathering.
Menno Place hosted Bridget Finley, MCC BC Indigenous Neighbours Coordinator who gave a presentation for all residents, families and staff to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Bridget spoke with us about what Jesus taught us about what it means to be a good neighbour in Matthew 22:39, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Sharon Simpson (Director, Community Enrichment shows off a beautiful scarf with art by Indigenous artist, John Rombough, “Remember”. Purchased at the Stolo Gift shop in Chilliwack, BC
She explained the history of land acknowledgements and how they are a First Nations practice rooted in creating and maintaining relationships between groups. She spoke about the importance of listen to the stories of our Indigenous neighbours as part of the ongoing work of reconciliation. Bridget reminded us that the best way to understand and love our neighbors is to spend time with them, listening to who they are, where they have been and how they experience life. She reminded us that, “We tell our stories until we are healed.” It is a critical part of truth and reconciliation to listen to the stories of our indigenous neighbours.
“We tell our stories until we are healed.”
Timi Derbyshire (L) Recreation Aide and Leonard Klassen (R) Manager of Community Enrichment attend the presentation in Menno Hospital Chapel.
Taking Steps Towards Reconciliation
If you are looking for ways to join the work of reconciliation here are 6 things you can do today:
- READ about residential school history
https://nctr.ca/education/teaching-resources/residential-school-history/
- EXPLORE the stories of the victims and survivors
https://witnessblanket.ca/explore
- LISTEN to kids from the Sk’elep School of Excellence sing “We Won’t Forget You”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0YYkvIWbng
- WATCH stories of survivors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJHR1STq_-s
- LEARN the right words to use when referring to our neighbors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEzjA5RoLv0
- PARTICIPATE in the Stetís ímexstowx (“walk beside us”) Gathering at The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford, Sept 30, 2025 at 10am
https://thereach.ca/events/stetis-imexstowx-gathering/
