09/30/2026
Truth (love, faith, giving) and Reconciliation: Sharing the circle in pursuit of healing.
Mitchell B. (Calgary Herald)
While the traditional healing circle takes on many forms across Indigenous cultures and teachings, it remains a critical tool in identifying the core values we need to continually assess in ourselves and our communities as we continue the daunting task of reconciling past harms. Central to these critical conversations remain Indigenous voices from all walks of life. Simply put, writers are artists – ones who shade together cultures – while drawing critical points of connection. The call for recognizing Indigenous stories and voices has never been stronger because, for too long, we have not been invited to the table where conversations surrounding our livelihood are the topic.
As I examine my own perspectives on these issues, in light of what I have come to learn in my few years, I believe we all need to be showing up more with more honesty if we are going to tackle these issues effectively. Reliability means we stand behind our word because we know all too well the ill effects that come through lying and other means of distrust. Working through such complex issues with love and compassion is not easy, but by remaining respectful and sound listeners, we can have greater insight into others’ unique perspectives and shared experiences.
We must also examine the values we hold about ourselves and our communities. Do we involve ourselves in conversations with people who hold different viewpoints, while maintaining mutual respect? Do we practice loving across differences rather than severing ties with those closest to us? How can we expand our circle to include the voices of others? What benefits can these intentional practices bring about in ourselves? The answer is not easily found, but deeply profound if we take the time to try.
I know little, but I know I do my best to show up in meaningful ways in all aspects of my life. I am far from perfect and continually work to address the issues along my journey, because I see firsthand just how powerful self-forgiveness and being kind towards oneself heals the deepest of wounds! I have battled in the trenches of self-harm, addiction, homelessness, and telling myself I was not good enough, but I no longer choose to identify with the power those issues hold over me. I am loving. I am kind. I am putting in the hard work, all while understanding that this healing journey will last me a lifetime.
Writing this has had a monumental emotional impact on me, almost as if I were speaking to the young boy who never thought his internal grief and shame would subside, or that he could take a breath in his growing sense of self-worth as the beautiful man he is becoming today. Maybe this is just one avenue of a healing journey … on a personal path of reconciling wrongs that extend well past one’s lifetime.
Mitchell B. is a Calgary-based member of Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation (in Saskatchewan), committed to reconnecting with his heritage, and never turns down pancakes or good coffee.
