When I first signed up for Hearts Exchanged, I’ll be honest: I arrived with a mix of excitement and a touch of skepticism. I’m young enough that I had a basic understanding of Indigenous reconciliation because it’s now widely taught in school, so I didn't expect to be "shocked" by the information. I was eager to learn, but in my naivety I wasn't sure just how much room I actually had to grow.

I was quickly proven wrong. Over the course of my eight months learning alongside a small group of Hearts Exchanged participants, this journey became a softening of my heart and a deep expansion of my knowledge.

Beyond the Basics

Through this process, I was invited into learning about the richness of Indigenous cultures, ways of being, and faith practices. We went far beyond the headlines to grapple with the harms of colonialism and sit with “hearts broken” stories. I began to better understand the reality of generational trauma and the lasting impacts of residential schools. I also developed a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities of being a treaty person. One teaching that stayed with me was the story of corn, beans, and squash (the Three Sisters) and how they grow together in mutual support, reflecting a broader value of interdependence and care for community. It has been an incredible journey of understanding, and it has humbled me to realize how much I still have to learn.

Finding Community Across Generations

One of my biggest hurdles was at the very beginning. When I logged into that first Zoom call, I scanned the tiles specifically, looking for someone else close to my age. When I realized I was the only person under 30 in my cohort, I felt intimidated and a bit disheartened. I wondered if I would fit in.

But as the months went by, that intimidation turned into a blessing. Being part of an intergenerational cohort allowed me to learn from the wisdom and life experiences of those who have walked much longer than I have. In turn, I realized that I offered a different perspective to the group. I was encouraged that this diverse body of believers was eager to learn how to belong to one another.

The Power of the "Walk & Talk"

A core part of Hearts Exchanged is the monthly "walk & talk" with a partner. I was paired with a wonderful retired woman, and we quickly formed a deep connection. Because of our situations, we decided to meet face-to-face over video calls rather than walking in person.

This became a safe space. Every month, we shared what was stirring in our hearts and what we were learning. It was a time of mutual growth that I began to look forward to every single month. Having a partner to process the weight of this work made the journey feel personal and supported. 

Over time, our conversations developed a rhythm I really cherished. We would start by catching up on life—sharing stories about our families, the small moments that filled our days—and then move into the Hearts Exchanged reflections. Each month came with a lot to process, but it was always meaningful when we realized we had both written down the same section or been impacted by the same story. Those moments made me feel less alone in the learning. There were also times when the weight of what we were engaging felt overwhelming, and we found ourselves wondering what difference we could really make. But even in that, there was a comfort in knowing we were choosing to show up, to learn, and to grow together. 

A Place for You

If you are hesitant about joining—if the eight-month commitment feels daunting, if you’re worried you won’t know what to expect, or if you feel you’ll be the odd person out in your group—I want to tell you clearly: You belong here.

There is a place for you in this circle. Whether you are Indigenous and seeking a faith community that is serious about reconciling, a retired person looking to learn, a young adult wondering if you’ll be welcomed to contribute, a newcomer to Canada wanting to know the story of this place, or someone in between—you belong.

As Christians, we are called to the work of reconciliation as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and as a response to the Gospel. Colossians 1 reminds us that Christ is supreme in the reconciliation of all things. Hearts Exchanged is a practical, beautiful way to live out that calling.

The commitment is real, and the opportunity for growth is even bigger. I strongly recommend committing to this journey. You might just find, as I did, that your heart is ready to be transformed.

For more information or to begin planning with your congregation, email [email protected] or visit crcna.org/hearts-exchanged. Hearts Exchanged cohorts will be running in regions across Canada this fall. Sign up now, and our team will connect you with a group.