HELLO/AANNII,
Here is your September 2021 EYMPD newsletter that I hope finds you well.

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new federal statutory holiday. Inspired by the occasion, I put together a few resources for you to help you recognize the day in a meaningful way.

Truth and Reconciliation processes are complex and sometimes difficult to comprehend fully.
Having said that, if you are fortunate enough you can come across tangible proof that work is being done to achieve it. The other week I took an evening walk on a fitness trail in Parry Sound. During my walk, I came across a beautiful statue of Chief Francis Pegahmagabow. The accompanying plaque stated the following:

“Chief Francis Pegahmagabow, a superior sniper during the First World War served overseas with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. In Canada’s history, no other Indigenous soldier has ever received as many battle awards. Born in Shawanaga First Nation (Caribou clan), he settled at Wasauksing First Nation after the war. Twice elected Chief, he became a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights.”

I am glad to have seen Chief Francis Pehahmagabow statue and trust I will see many more sites recognizing Indigenous culture, history, and achievements.

I hope you find this edition of our newsletter helpful. Please share any resources on Truth and Reconciliation with our Early Years Community if you would like. You can do so by sending the resources to me for distribution. Thank you/Miigwech for doing so.

Stay in touch,
Baa Maa Pii Gaawaabmin (I’ll See You Later)
Kasia Oxley, Children’s Services Community Facilitator, Children’s Programs and Services
Work Cell: (705) 644-1533
Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. 
Healing a Nation through Truth and Reconciliation |

Chief Dr Robert Joseph | TEDxEastVan

Time commitment: 10 minutes, 15 seconds
Areas of interest: Indigenous Leadership, Canadian history, Indigenous rights, Truth and Reconciliation
Format: video

Canada’s past held some dark and terrible secrets on the treatment of its First Nations peoples. Chief Robert Joseph experienced these destructive forces firsthand in the Residential School System and he now explains how sharing these truths was the first step to reconciling a nation. Helping to heal this racism and intolerance is to recognize ‘we are all one’. Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, O.B.C. is a true peace-builder whose life and work are examples of his personal commitment.

A Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, Chief Joseph has dedicated his life to bridging the differences brought about by intolerance, lack of understanding and racism at home and abroad. His insights into the destructive impacts these forces can have on people’s lives, families, and cultures were shaped by his experience with the Canadian Indian Residential School system.

Chief Joseph is currently the Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada and a member of the National Assembly of First Nations Elders Council. As one of the last few speakers of the Kwakwaka’wakw language, Chief Joseph is an eloquent and inspiring Ceremonial House Speaker. He shares his knowledge and wisdom in the Big House and as a Language Speaker with the University of BC, an internationally recognized art curator and as co-author of “Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast”.

Rosie on Reconciliation

Time commitment: 3 minutes, 16 seconds
Areas of interest: Reconciliation, child’s perspective
Format: video

Why does Reconciliation matter? Rosie breaks it down for us in this video!
Unsettled: Journeys in Truth and Conciliation

George Lee & Jessica Vandenberghe

Time commitment: Episodes vary in length
Areas of interest: Indigenous and Settler perspectives, Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Format: podcast

Unsettled: Journeys in Truth and Conciliation builds upon the 94 calls to action of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, from the perspectives of Indigenous cohost Jessica Vandenberghe, settler cohost George Lee, and their Indigenous and settler guests.

We start from the belief that conciliation in Canada is an ongoing project, individually and collectively, as the country moves beyond colonial thinking to build a nation of nations—one free of racist, pro-assimiliation policies, and one that honours treaties and other commitments to Indigenous peoples.


National Center for Truth and Reconciliation 

Time commitment: depends on level of exploration
Areas of interest: Indigenous culture, Truth and Reconciliation Records, Education, Research
Format: website

The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.

The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR.

The NCTR Archives and Collections is the foundation for ongoing learning and research. Here, Survivors, their families, educators, researchers, and the public can examine the residential school system more deeply with the goal of fostering reconciliation and healing.

Have you Heard About?
Indigenous Canada: A free online course from the University of Alberta
Please write to Kasia to let her know your thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation or any other topic for a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00)
EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS IN MUSKOKA
Chris King
What is your current job, and how did you arrive at it, in other words why do you do what you do?
I am currently an EarlyON Educator. I have had this position for almost 3 years. I have been in the early years field for 37 years, but I have to say that working for EarlyON is one of my favourite positions. I love this job because it gives me the opportunity to work with both adults and children. There is nothing more gratifying to me then seeing the smiles and excitement on children’s faces when they come into program. It’s very rewarding for me to support families and provide experiences which help them with their parenting journey. Parenting as we know, is not an easy job but I like to believe that the small amount of time families spend at an EarlyON program really helps them with this parenting adventure. I can’t wait until we are able to open up again on a full time basis. I’m looking forward to playing and reconnecting with children and their parents.

Without disclosing confidential information, please tell me about how your involvement within the early years profession created a better outcome for a child/family
There have been many occasions throughout my years working in the early years field that I have helped to create a better outcome for a child or family and most recently this one comes to mind. As EarlyON educators we are continually helping and supporting families. When covid hit and we went into lockdown we started doing Wellness Calls. I called many families usually calling monthly and sometimes bi- monthly and in some cases weekly. When we were finally able to do some in person programming I was at a Pop Up with a co-worker and one of the mom’s I had been calling came to the Pop Up. She told my co-worker that she looked forward to my phone calls and wouldn’t have gotten through the lock down without them. Taking the time to make the phone calls wasn’t much but often it’s the little things that matter. I was so thankful that I was able to help out this mom. I continue to call her on a regular basis. Another time when I was working as an Educational Assistant a student I had supported saw me in town. This would have been about 6 years after that student had graduated. The student left the friends he was hanging out with, ran over to me, gave me a hug and thanked me for believing in him. As early years educators we are always impacting and leaving an impression on the children we are working with even if we think we aren’t.

What's most challenging about the work you do?
At the moment what I find most challenging is not being able to have our regular programs up and running. I’m so glad we have been able to resume some in person outdoor programs. I was really missing being able to connect with families in person. Zoom is great but it’s just not the same. As an EarlyON Educator I understand the value and importance of play. The virtual platforms we have been using offer some opportunities to connect with families but the real impacts happen when we can physically engage in play with the children and have a one to one conversation with the parents. Here’s hoping we are able to continue to move forward.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to go for walks with my boyfriend and my dog. I like to do renovations on my house, sit outside in my backyard, get together with friends and my most favourite thing to do in my spare time is hang out with my adult children.
What book/resource could you recommend to our readers?
I highly recommend The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charles Mackesy. It is a quick read and is full of positive affirmations.

What’s your favorite quote?
My favourite quote is “Some days are better, some days are worse. Look for the blessing instead of the curse. Be positive, stay strong, and get enough rest. You can’t do it all, but you can do your best.” Doe Zantamata

Who inspires you and why?
Children inspire me. They always see the wonder in things, are not afraid to try, are naturally inquisitive and are very resilient. Listening to the laughter of a child can turn any bad day into a good one. If we could all see and do things the way a child does the world would be a better place.

In the last couple of years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
In the last couple of years, now that my children are young adults, I have learned to take time for me. Self care is so important and honestly something I did not do well. I realize now that you must take care of yourself otherwise you won’t be able to take care of anyone else. Even if it’s only 10-15 minutes a day, that time is crucial to your own state of well-being.

What have you learnt to say “no” to?
I have learnt to say no to myself on trying to do it all. I am trying to let people help me more. When you are an A type personality and like to be in control this can be difficult. But I realize now that it’s okay to ask for help. To quote Charles Mackesy, “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy. “Help,” said the horse.

Could you name a song that can easily put you in a good mood?
A song that always puts me in a good mood is Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. Those 80’s tunes are my jam!

Anything else that you would like to share?
In conclusion, I would like to say follow your own path, be true to you and remember to play!
July/August Fun Corner Winner!
Janice Furchner, RECE, is the winner of our July/August fun corner.
Janice submitted "Ho, Ho, Watanay" song to our Indigenous Muskoka EY playlist.

Thank you Janice!
INSPIRATION CORNER
Agencies Providing Services for Children and Families in Muskoka
The Manna Food Bank

The Manna Food Bank is a Bracebridge-based food bank serving, and supported by, the residents of Muskoka. Click here for their website!
For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00), please submit a reflection of yours to Kasia on a topic of your choice that you would like to be considered for publication in one of the upcoming newsletter editions. 

Your submission does not have to be in a form of an essay, other forms of expression are welcome, such as: poetry, video footage, note, opinion piece, interview, photos accompanied by a short text, review, etc.  
Was this content helpful to you?
Complete our anonymous 1 minute survey to help inform future editions!