Hearts Exchanged is difficult to summarize in a few short paragraphs. On a basic level the program has given me a much deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous Peoples. It revealed facts and figures about the history of our country and the First Peoples living here that I had not known. For instance, the United Nations declared that Canada was 6th in the world for quality of life for average Canadians. However, Indigenous Peoples in Canada measured 63rd. On a deeper level, my heart has indeed been exchanged as I learned of the truth of the injustice done to Indigenous Peoples. 

The Doctrine of Discovery declared that any land “discovered” that was not inhabited by Christian people was free for the taking. This doctrine was the basis for European explorers to claim lands inhabited by non-Christian Indigenous Peoples for their own; setting up a belief system which perceived any Indigenous Peoples as inferior. The results of this doctrine are still evident today in how Indigenous Peoples are often treated. My initial response to this information was guilt and shame. But I came to see how staying in these feelings was not helpful in moving forward and aiming for reconciliation. 

I've learned of a number of connections with Christianity that I hadn't expected – recognition of the Creator, respect, connection, and care for the land, plant life and animals, and kinship with people who are also made in God's image. One of the connections that touched me is an exercise within the Hearts Exchanged learning called the Sacred Pause. It is a way of taking time to be in nature, to Sense, Appreciate, Connect, Respect, Express, and Delight. You “pause” to really see, feel, and experience this world, taking time to recognize the gift and responsibility that God has given us and understand how much humans depend on nature to sustain our lives. It is very much like prayer, communing with God, the Creator. I was also deeply impacted by Marlene Wolter's’ story, an Indigenous woman living in Frankford, ON and a member of the CRC, when she shared how she moved from fear and shame to acceptance and confidence as an Indigenous follower of Jesus. 

I also learned about the generational trauma that Indigenous communities have experienced. Residential schools caused immense harm in separating 150,000 children from their parents, families, communities, and culture. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, begun in 2008 under Justice Murray Sinclair, took six years and heard the testimonies of 6,500 survivors and witnesses of the residential schools. This resulted in 94 calls to action. I found myself challenged to learn as much as I could, to share this knowledge and to look for ways I could personally act to work towards reconciliation. Driven by my background in education and my desire to continue this journey, I have been connecting with local Christian schools to find out what they are teaching about Indigenous Peoples, how they observe Orange Shirt Day, and if they would be open to exploring available resources. 

The harm done to Indigenous Peoples through colonialism is real but it's not where I sit. The CRCNA has been working towards reconciliation since 1969, established the Indigenous Ministry in 2006, and adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2016. We serve a God who calls us to reconciliation with him and with all people. I encourage everyone to take time to learn of our shared past; the failures and successes. There is much to learn, and there is much that we can do on the shared path towards true reconciliation.