Reconciliation

In Canada, the process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is helping us to re-conceptualize and transform our basic relationships. To apply the principle of the oneness of humanity to our common life, we need to work towards an organic change in the structure of our society. As we walk this path, we will learn lessons and practical measures that will help to guide the healing of other divisions between the world’s peoples.

The Office of Public Affairs works in partnership with a range of organizations, universities and government agencies to participate in a discourse about reconciliation. Featured below is information about a number of recent projects and events.

Projects

Each section below highlights aspects of a number of projects advanced by the Office of Public Affairs, often in partnership with other organizations.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Spirit of Reconciliation

With the Vancouver School of Theology and Canadian Race Relations Foundation (2020)

Rethinking the relationship between spirituality and reconciliation

Partnership with University of Victoria Law Faculty, Centre for Studies of Religion and Society, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation (2017-2018)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

(2008 - 2015)

Submission of the Bahá'í Community of Canada to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Video: "The Path Home" (commissioned by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada)
Public events in honour of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Local Bahá'ís support Truth and Reconciliation Commission events across the country
Canadian Interfaith Conversation statement
- Statement on the Importance of Truth and Reconciliation and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, March 2016

Advancing a conversation about reconciliation

Thought Piece: “Advancing the conversation on reconciliation in Canada”
Book chapter in "Spirit of Reconciliation: A Multi-Faith Resource" (edited by Rev. Dr. Raymond C. Aldred and Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan)
“Reflections on reconciliation” (with Prof. John Borrows, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Karen Joseph)
- Video: "Reflections on Reconciliation, Part 1"
- Video: "Reflections on Reconciliation, Part 2"

Events

Each section below includes links to news articles about recent events attended by the Office of Public Affairs.

Building Sustainable Peace

University of Notre Dame (2019)

News Article: “Baha’i documentary on reconciliation is screened at international peace conference"

National Day of Prayer and Mindfulness

Collaboration with National Council of Indigenous Elders (2017)

News Article: “Canadian Bahá'ís participate in Indigenous-led National Day of Prayer and Mindfulness”

In the Spirit of Reconciliation

With Reconciliation Canada (April 2017)

National Learning Community on Youth and Reconciliation

With 4Rs Youth Movement (2017)

News Article: “Baha’i youth support learning process around Reconciliation”