Reconciling the differences between my Indigenous culture and heritage on one side, and settler background and Christian faith on the other side, was always a big part of my life.

My father was of Irish background and my mother was Ojibwe from Sand Point First Nation, Ontario. While both of my parents went through challenges in their lives, I was raised to be proud of both sides of my heritage. And reconciliation of the two was always a passion of mine.

I bring the wisdom, knowledge and values of Anishinaabe peoples into my day-to-day mission as an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church. And because of my background, I continue to experience moments of “not really fitting in”. Moments of being perceived as a Church representative in the Indigenous community, and as an Indigenous person within the Church. Being welcomed and respected by both, but not fully accepted.

 

 

For me, reconciliation means building respectful relationships in our community and accepting our differences. Getting to know each other and our families. Having tea. And learning to work together despite our differences.

When I received Reconciliation Canada’s invitation to the National Reconciliation Gathering in Winnipeg last March, I was so excited. Seeing so many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in community leadership positions, interested in this conversation, willing to sit down and talk to each other – it gave me goose bumps. When my mom was still alive, she had a vision of such a gathering, of community leaders sitting down together and working out our issues. I wish she could see that vision come true.
 

 
 
Reconciliation Canada and their approach to dialogue creates space for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians to begin learning to be comfortable with and understanding of our differences. This is why I support Reconciliation Canada as a monthly donor. I hope that leading up to the Giving Tuesday, you will make a gift to support reconciliation too. Together, we can bring reconciliation dialogue to communities across Canada.
 
 

Thank you,

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Mullin
Executive Director of The Winnipeg Inner City Missions

Margaret’s story is the second in a line 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.

Have you missed the first impact story? You can read how Simran’s perspective has changed since he first attended a Reconciliation Dialogue Workshop for young adults here.