Belonging, Learning, Connecting in Grace

EAC Challenge for 2026

One of the four pillars that Grace directed the Education and Advocacy Committee to focus on is Indigenous Peoples.

Throughout 2026 EAC will be utilizing the book “52 Ways to Reconcile – How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing” by David A. Robertson* to provide opportunities to explore how we at Grace – both communally and individually – can be intentional in how we participate in reconciliation.   Each week in Grace-Line we will highlight an opportunity from this book to encourage reflection and participation.  We are not expecting everyone to take action on each suggestion each week – or even that particular week – however we hope that taking time to review and reflect upon the weekly possibilities will encourage some reconciliation action over the course of the year.  For example, one may be interested in the suggestion in Week 9 (supporting an Indigenous musician); however, such an opportunity might not occur until Week 37.

EAC will endeavour to coordinate some communal reconciliation opportunities over the course of the year – including incorporation thereof during Sunday worship.

You may be thinking – what can I – one person – do that will make a difference in this very complex exercise of reconciliation?  Well, contained in the front of this book is the following quote by Edward Everett Hale:

‘I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.’

Are you up for the challenge?  We hope so.  Two copies of this book are also available in the church library.

Week 1:  Host a Movie Night

Robertson wants us to view authentic Indigenous television shows and films – because as demand for them increases, the more that will be created.  However, such media examples should not just have one Indigenous actor in them to qualify.  They need to involve Indigenous people in all areas of the production – actors, writers, directors, support crew, etc.  Even if your “hosting” involves only you (and those you live with) – from EAC’s perspective – it still counts :).  You may find other options – and we would love to hear your critiques on them.

Some examples Robertson provides are:

– Reservation Dogs (2021-2023) – an American comedy drama series available on CBC Gem.  This production also includes characters representing the Queer Community.

– Smoke Signals (1998) – a coming-of-age comedy-drama based on Sherman Alexie’s short story collection The Lone Ranger and Toto Fistfight in Heaven available on Crave and Amazon Prime.  The film won several awards, and accolades and was well received at numerous film festivals.

– Atanarjuat:  The Fast Runner (2001) – a documentary/drama and the first feature film to be written, directed, produced, and acted entirely in the Inuktitut language available on CBC Gem and Crave.  This film premiered at Cannes where it won the Camera d’Or and later won six Genie Awards (Canadian equivalent of the Academy Awards).

– Blood Quantum (2019) – a Canadian horror film written, directed and edited by Jeff Barnaby (Mi’kimaq) and available on CBC Gem, Crave, and Amazon Prime.  It premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and was second runner-up for the People’s Choice Award:  Midnight Madness.

Get the popcorn ready!!

*  David A. Robertson is a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner and has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters from the University of Manitoba in 2023 and a Doctor of Laws from the University of Lethbridge in 2025. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg. [Taken verbatim from www.darobertson.ca ]

 

Week 2 – Start an Indigenous Club: 
 
Author David A. Robertson believes that the foundation of reconciliation is in storytelling – stories written by Indigenous Peoples about Indigenous Peoples.  For those of you who are already in one or more book clubs – don’t panic.  You don’t have to start a new one (unless you want to or you may find that there are book clubs specific to this genre that are already established that you could join); however, how about selecting one or two books by an Indigenous author over the course of the year?  For those who are not in a book club – but love to read and learn new things – select a book authored by an Indigenous person.  The number of books written by Indigenous Peoples has increased dramatically in the last decade – so there are lots to choose from – and the church library is a great source.  Whether you choose fiction or non-fiction, poetry or graphic novel – give it a go – and let us know what you thought of it.  Robertson suggests that your first book be Starlight by Richard Wagamese (Ojibwe from the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in northwestern Ontario), but also acknowledges that there are many options from which to choose.  Multiple copies of Starlight are available at the Burlington Public Library.  Check out its website for many other selections – https://www.bpl.on.ca/.
 
Week 3 – Engage with Indigenous Social Media:
 
For those of you who already are “stealth” on social media – this exercise will be a no-brainer.  However, like social media generally, it can be toxic – so – be vigilant.  Look for reliable sources that provide objective and accurate information.  You could even start with Robertson’s own social media page and go from there.  According to Robertson “social media can be an effective way to mobilize … help you find out about gatherings, marches or protests”, but also “to learn about upcoming releases, albums, books, movies, or shows”.  If you are a self-professed Luddite who is not on any social media, look for on-line posts or pod-casts by Indigenous authors.  Put Google to work and find something that interests you – and then tell us about it at eac@graceunitedchurchburlington.com!!  
 
Burlington Public Library does many Indigenous-related events – so check out its website – https://www.bpl.on.ca/.  Also, an Indigenous Advisory Circle to the Mayor was established in November 2022 to offer guidance and identify opportunities that the City of Burlington could develop into tangible actions toward Reconciliation – in particular five municipal Calls to Action identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).  Check out the City’s website link here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/indigenous-projects-and-partnerships-in-burlington.aspx. 
Week 4 – Learn the Difference Between Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Appreciation:
 
Understanding the difference between these two concepts is a key step in our journey towards reconciliation.  To reach that understanding, we need to be inquisitive – to ask questions and be prepared for unexpected (and wide-ranging) answers.  According to Robertson, ‘cultural appropriation’ is “when someone uses an aspect of a culture that’s not their own without understanding or respecting it, especially when it’s a historically oppressed group and when it involves personal gait or profit”.  On the other hand, ‘cultural appreciation’ “sees people genuinely trying to learn about and understand another culture in order to broaden their perspective.  It builds relationships across different cultures and involves asking permission and giving credit and fair compensation”.  As you go about your day – think of examples or situations that make you stop and consider whether it is cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation.  One example Robertson gives is placing an inukshuk on your lawn.  What factors would make this action cultural appropriation?  What factors would make this action cultural appreciation?  There is no one single or simple answer.  Share your thoughts with us at eac@graceunitedchurchburlington.com.

 Week 5 – Research Indigenous Place Names

We have all seen the TV info ad about the origin of the name Canada:  Jacques Cartier is exploring the land in 1535 when he encounters two Indigenous youth who invite him to visit their kanata – meaning village in the St. Lawrence Iroquois language of the Huron-Iroquois people (now Quebec City).  While Cartier understood kanata meant “village” – he decided to apply it to a much broader area of land.  Over the centuries kanata morphed into “Canada” and on July 1, 1867 the provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick became “one Dominion under the name of Canada” (https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/origin-name-canada.html).

Robertson invites us to explore the many names of our cities and towns, lakes and rivers, provinces, etc. that are of an Indigenous origin (or that were later renamed to settler names).  He indicates that such names are not only beautiful – but also literal.  For example, the name Lake “Ontario” comes from a Haudenosaunee word kanadario meaning “sparkling water”.  He states that “One of the joys of being in nature is the connection to place.  A recognition that we are as much a part of it as the fish, birds, and four-legged creatures” (p.24).  However, Robertson also admits that he has an “ulterior motive” for the exercise – we need to acknowledge that we have mistreated our lands and waterways and we need to do what is necessary to restore and maintain their health – “fostering connections creates accountability” (p.25).

Use reliable sources for your research, including connecting with local Indigenous communities who can translate and provide more in-depth information.  Happy sleuthing and let us know what you find by dropping us a line at eac@graceunitedchurchburlington.com.