M’Chigeeng hosts Canadian Roots Exchange 2015

By Kelly Crawford

M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION – Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) participants spent a week visiting M’Chigeeng First Nation, Sheguiandah First Nation and Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island.

“I’m excited to share that Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) has selected M’Chigeeng First Nation to host one of its youth exchange programs in our community again, during May 2015,” explained Lynzii Taibossigai, Program Coordinator, Canadian Roots Exchange.

“The exchange was my first real opportunity to learn about Indigenous issues from Indigenous people. Growing up, I was always taught about these issues from a textbook,” explains CRE participant Jacky Habib.

“There was such a positive atmosphere during the exchange and I think it’s so valuable- and often, optimism and hope aren’t the first things people think of when they think of life on reserves. So I think the focus on what First Nations people are doing to keep their language alive and what exciting initiatives are happening on reserves was really helpful, because it dispels myths that are unfortunately common amongst non-indigenous people.”

Habib enjoyed every aspect of the experience at felt welcomed by each community. “I grew up in Canada but I’ve never really had the level of interaction with First Nations people the way I did during the exchange. The group was fantastic and every night we would have discussions around a campfire about topics like cultural appropriation, activism, working within systems, etc. It was wonderful to be able to learn from the group and contribute to these conversations.

Tabossigai shared the wonderful welcoming that was received by the youth of Sheguiandah First Nation, as one of the three communities visited during this trip. “We were able to share deep and meaningful conversations with young people about racism, stereotypes, residential schools and reconciliation.” These conversations served as building blocks to breakdown stereotypes, open up dialogue and build honest relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living on this land.

The Canadian Roots Exchange is a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth who believe that in order to bridge the gap between Canada’s peoples; we need to become educated and aware of the teachings, triumphs, and daily realities of our Indigenous communities.

The Canadian Roots Exchange is a registered charity that provides Indigenous based leadership, learning and reconciliation experiences to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. CRE organizes three main types of activities:  exchange programs, workshops and conferences.

The Canadian Roots Exchange is currently looking for participants to join future experiences. For more information please visit www.canadianroots.ca or email info@canadianroots.ca.