People sometimes ask me why I am so actively involved in reconciliation.

My first experience with Reconciliation Canada was at a Reconciliation Dialogue Workshop for young adults. As a Sikh, I can relate to the challenges that some Indigenous youth are confronting. Challenges of how to define myself and how to fit into mainstream Canadian society while maintaining my traditional values and beliefs.

During the workshop, I realized that we need to shed the layers that we put up to hide from other people. To stand in front of others, emotionally and spiritually vulnerable, and for them to accept you, all of you. That moment is powerful beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.

For me, reconciliation is about tearing down walls and building deep connections with people. I believe that reconciliation will lead us to a nation where there will be no more hate, racism, or injustice. And each of us, with our actions, can make an impact on reconciliation too.

Together, we can create a nation of people truly connected to each other, where we will be able to expose all of our emotional and spiritual vulnerabilities and say to one another:

I accept you.
I am with you.
I love you for who you are.
 

Every time I come to one of Reconciliation Canada’s events, I feel a sense of hope that not everything is lost, that one day things will be better, for all of us. With your help, more Indigenous peoples and all Canadians can have this experience.

As a volunteer Reconciliation Canada board member and donor, I ask you to make a gift and support creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians to develop deeper understanding of and connectedness to each other.
 

 
 
Thank you,

Simran Singh

Simran’s story is one of four impact stories that Reconciliation Canada will share with you this holiday season. By making a gift, you invest in Reconciliation Canada’s charitable programs and organizational capacity to engage increasing numbers of Indigenous peoples and all Canadians in reconciliation. These impact stories coincide with the annual Giving Tuesday movement on November 29, 2016, which encourages giving and volunteering during the holiday season.