Truth and Reconciliation Committee
of Swift Current and Area

Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Swift Current and Area consists of individuals, community-based organizations, and communities in the area surrounding the City of Swift Current, Nekaneet First Nation, and Lii Bufloo Métis Local #35, within Treaty 4 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.

The group was created with a common desire and a shared mission to raise awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action and foster respectful discussion in collaboration with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.

Much of the committee's work focusses on shedding light on the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Through various education, awareness, and community engagement initiatives, they hope to bridge the gap between diverse perspectives and contribute to the healing and reconciliation process; a gradual and imperfect learning.

Initiatives include:
Organizing speaker-series, webinars, and public forums to offer in-depth insights into the historical context and significance of the Calls to Action.

Encouraging participation in community events, fostering connections, and building relationships.

Collaborating with the various schools in partnership with, Chinook School Division, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, and Great Plains College

Seeking partnerships with indigenous community leaders, organizations to ensure authenticity and cultural sensitivity.

Using digital platforms, to reach a wider and/or isolated audience.

History:
After the release of the Truth and Reconciliation report on June 2, 2015, the board members of the Southwest Multicultural Association (SWMA) were resolute in their commitment to raise awareness about the report's 94 Calls to Action. In response, SWMA established the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Swift Current and Area.

Various organizations were invited to join. Embracing the notion expressed by the Honourable Murray Sinclair that, "Reconciliation is not a spectator sport. Everyone has a role to play," the committee was formed in 2016.

The initial members included SWMA, Métis Elder Cecile Blanke, City of Swift Current, Great Plains College, Chinook School Division, Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre, Chinook Regional Library, and Southwest Crisis Services. Between 2016 and 2023, additional members such as Elder Sylvia Thorburn, Nekaneet First Nation, Lii Bufloo Métis Local, Living Sky Casino, Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, Cypress Health Region, SHA, South West District for Culture, Recreation, and Sport, Southwest YES (Dorie’s House) and several individuals joined the committee. The committee continues to welcome new members.

Since 2017, the committee has organized several events to create awareness:
2017: Residential Schools – Truth and Reconciliation: Let’s Walk the Talk
2018: Sixties Scoop – Truth and Reconciliation – Act Now – Healing Families
2019: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
2020: Reconciliation – Calls to Action
2021: Path Forward: Paving the Path for Reconciliation
2021: Raising of Treaty 4 and Métis Nation flags in Swift Current flag court
2022: ReconciliACTION
2023: Zoey Roy – Presentation on Reconciliation

Visit us for upcoming initiatives and events