Conclusion

Reconciliation and Responsible Citizenship through Wisdom

As we conclude this section and chapter of our collective journey in the direction of the North, where wisdom resides, let us continue this process of active learning and applying wisdom to reconciliation and responsible citizenship. I keep coming back to the words of Richard Wagamese, and ask not “What do I think about this? but rather How do I feel about this? In such simplicity is greatness made possible for an individual, a society, and a human family.”

It is in the journey toward wisdom, one that is a lifetime of learning, that we can realize reconciliation and responsible citizenship in a good way. I hope one day, as you put the teachings into practice, that you may be able to sit in that perfect place and reflect back on what was learned, acted upon, and accomplished. This place will look different for each of us. I add a few places where I’ve journeyed over the years. These are special places of learning, where I realized how I truly felt about this complex journey of self-discovery and reconciliation education.

Willow Cree Healing Lodge, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, Saskatchewan (2003)

North Shore with my relations, Epekwitk, Prince Edward Island (2004)

University of Prince Edward Island and Indigenous Teachings students (2023)

In June 2024, I had the opportunity to visit the First Nation University of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan. This university is a “First Nations owned post-secondary institution that aspires to have a transformative impact by bridging our ceremonies, knowledge keepers, languages, and traditions with the delivery of high-quality education that will lead to the pride and success of all students, First Nations communities, and Canada” (First Nations University, 2024). In this perfect place, my reflection took on a spiritual dimension — one where years of hard work in the academy has come to fruition. Yet, I know much more work lies ahead. I also know this reconciliation journey is not a solo journey; instead, it is one that must be taken together — and I reserved a table just for you.

First Nation University of Canada in Treaty 4, Regina, Saskatchewan (2024)

But, it did not end there, rather this seems only to be the beginning of learning about reconciliation education. While the revelations and teachings happen most often close to home, one place that it comes to life is within my own homeland, Treaty 1, Winnipeg, Manitoba. It often is most pronounced during gatherings, where I can see my relations, generations of them, including the ancestors, in gratitude and in celebration.

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Forks, Wînipêk – ᐄᐧᓂᐯᐠ (Winnipeg), June 21, 2024

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Forks, Wînipêk – ᐄᐧᓂᐯᐠ (Winnipeg), June 21, 2024 with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in the background overseeing all that we do to achieve reconciliation and responsible citizenship through wisdom.

Wela’lioq ~ Hai Hai ~ Thank you

Msit No’kmaq ~ Wahkohtowin ~ All my Relations

David D. Varis

Okiskinohamâkew – Assistant Professor

Curriculum Integrity Committee Advisor (IKE-1040)

Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies/Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Tel: 902-393-1741 (cellular)/E-mail: dvaris@upei.ca