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.

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.
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.