There is a project underway called “Healing Hearts”. Take a moment to watch this trailer and then consider some of the questions below. Perhaps you can find a way to become involved:
What is “Healing Hearts” all about:
- To help Canadians understand our history—not simply know it.
Many Canadians have heard about residential schools and reconciliation. But knowing the facts is different from understanding how the removal of children from their families, cultures, languages, and communities continues to affect Indigenous individuals, families, and communities today. - To connect the past to the present without focusing on blame.
This project is not about making Canadians today feel guilty for the past. It is about understanding what happened, recognizing its continuing consequences, and considering what we can do now. - To show that reconciliation belongs to everyone.
Governments have important responsibilities, but reconciliation largely happens between people, in our schools, workplaces, businesses, neighbourhoods, churches, organizations, and families. It is something Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians can participate in together. - To tell stories of progress and hope.
Alongside difficult stories, Healing Hearts will highlight Indigenous leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural renewal, healing, partnerships, and examples of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people successfully working together. - To move the conversation toward “Where do we go from here?”
Understanding history is only the beginning. Across the six-part series, we want to explore what reconciliation can look like today and what Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians can accomplish together. - To create a lasting educational resource.
Episode One, Our Deafening Silence, will become the foundation for educational curriculum and learning resources developed with universities and other partners. The goal is to make the documentary more than something people simply watch. It should create opportunities to learn, discuss, question, and better understand one another.
Ultimately, Healing Hearts is about relationships. Greater understanding can help break down barriers, strengthen communities, and contribute to a stronger Canada.
How the Public Can Help Make Healing Hearts Happen
People do not need to be filmmakers or reconciliation experts to be part of this project. They can help by sharing Healing Hearts, connecting us with people and organizations whose stories should be heard, introducing us to potential sponsors and funding partners, and helping bring the finished series into schools, workplaces, and communities.
Financial support will also be essential. Individuals, corporations, foundations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, and governments can help fund both the production of the series and the educational resources being developed around Episode One.
Just as important is a willingness to listen and participate. Watch the series. Talk about it with your family and community. Encourage your school, workplace, organization, or government representatives to become involved. And help us identify stories of reconciliation that are already happening across Canada.
Perhaps the most important message of Healing Hearts is this:
Reconciliation does not belong only to our past, to Indigenous peoples, or to governments. It belongs to all of us. We cannot change what happened yesterday, but together we can influence what happens tomorrow.
For more information contact: Robin Bellamy r.bellamy@caldaj.ca
