Richelle
Richelle (she/her) is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Chippewas of Rama First Nation. After spending much of her early life as a performance artist and teacher, the birth of her daughter inspired a shift toward supporting youth mental health. Richelle holds a double diploma in Social Service Work and Indigenous Knowledge: First Peoples with a distinction in Leadership from Centennial College and a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Indigenous Knowledge and Experience from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is currently pursuing her MSW in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency at the University of Toronto.
Reviving Blood Memory by Kaitlyn & Richelle
This interactive Truth Talk is designed to engage a community of participants in meaningful reflection and dialogue around the themes of Truth, (re)Conciliation, and the unlearning of harmful narratives. Co-facilitated by team members, Kaitlyn and Richelle, from Finding Our Power Together, the Truth Talk focuses on fostering understanding, promoting authentic connections, and challenging preconceived notions. Participants will explore the complexities of (re)Conciliation and contribute to a shared vision for a more just and equitable future.
Kaitlyn and Richelle will explore how colonization has disrupted ancestral blood memory and how this knowledge continues to inform resistance and resurgence. Along with participants, they will examine the role of blood memory in decolonization and sovereignty efforts, offering insights into its enduring significance for both individual and collective survival and healing.
There will be a grounding exercise to begin and close the Truth Talk in a good way. This session will be tailored to the specific needs and context of the community, helping to ensure relevance and effectiveness. This Truth Talk is designed to not only educate but also to inspire action and support for Indigenous futures within the framework of sovereignty and resurgence. This (un)learning exchange represents a significant step towards understanding and supporting Indigenous sovereignty and resurgence, offering a unique opportunity for participants to engage deeply with these critical issues and to become active participants in fostering community-led change.
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