Introducing the AlliedFutures Project: A Journey from Truth to Reconciliation and Beyond
It’s here! The alliedFutures Project is live now! We are beyond excited for the recent launch of this incredible project that focuses on taking action towards Truth and Reconciliation. This project began back in September 2021, when our WilderFutures non-for-profit joined the MRU Child Studies capstone team to create a fundraising campaign with Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth. What began as a simple idea to educate and empower our community, has now turned into a month-long, city-wide campaign with over 100+ businesses joining together to sit in truth, lean into humility and listen deeply as we unpack what it means to be settlers on this land. You may be wondering, what does this project entail, what will I learn by joining and how do I register? Luckily, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know regarding the alliedFutures Project in the content below. Read on to stay up-to-date with how you can become an authentic ally within our community and beyond!
What does the alliedFutures Project Entail?
The alliedFutures Project consists of two major components; a toolkit and knowledge-sharing series. Created by our partnered MRU Capstone team, the toolkit is a guided, educational resource for reflective and reflexive learning opportunities. The toolkit is separated into five phases, starting with Sitting in Truth and moving towards Allyship, Accomplice, Decolonization & Indigenization and Reconciliation & Action. Each phase represents a point in the Reconciliation journey and is accompanied by a 5-part webinar series with an additional event to review and reflect on our learnings as a collective.
The webinar series is led by a community and settlers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. These guest speakers have a wealth of knowledge that they will share as we co-create an ethical and brave space for reflective discussions. Take a look at our online event dates and descriptions below:
Knowledge Sharing Series
Sitting in Truth
March 10, 12 - 1 PM, MST: hosted by Jody Bear and Judy Bear
We begin by looking back. Sitting in Truth takes readers through a brief overview of Canada’s history with Indigenous, First Nations, and Métis peoples, uncovering the uncomfortable and providing important context for the journey ahead. By reflecting on the origins of oppression, we can better understand how to dismantle it.
Allyship
March 17, 12 - 1 PM, MST: hosted by Anne Harding of Forum Community Relationsand Teneya Gwin of Eleven Eleven Consulting
Push past the performative into genuine, meaningful allyship. In this phase, you will examine concepts such as privilege, social location, intersectionality, and oppression.
Accomplice
March 24, 12 - 1 PM, MST: Accomplice webinar, hosted by Annie Korver of Rise Consulting and MandyLunn's of Universal Geomatics Solutions
What is the difference between an ally and an accomplice? In phase 3, we take a closer look at what it means for settlers to actively engage in anti-racism efforts.
Decolonization & Indigenization
March 31, 12 - 1 PM, MST: Decolonization & Indigenization webinar, hosted by Tim Fox of the CalgaryFoundation
Change your mindset, change your perspective, change your world. In this phase, we will explore the terms “Decolonization,” “Indigenization,” and “Edgewalking,” as it relates to the systems that shape our beliefs.
Reconciliation & Action
April 7, 12 - 1 PM, MST: ReconciliACTION webinar, hosted by Dion Simon of Mount Royal University
Though the toolkit ends at reconciliation, it is in actuality an ongoing journey and a lifelong commitment. Let this be the first step to creating a brighter future.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
April 14, 4 - 6 PM, MST: A sharing circle, hosted by WilderFutures and theMount Royal University Child Studies Capstone Students
Come together. In this session, the WilderFutures team, Mount Royal ECE Capstone Students and alliedFutures participants will engage in a sharing circle to reflect and unpack the last five weeks. In doing this, we will vision and prepare a new path forward, one that honours the work that has been done.
Though the toolkit ends at reconciliation, it is in actuality an ongoing journey and a lifelong commitment. Let this be the first step to creating a brighter future.
To register and receive instant access to the toolkit and webinar series, click here!
We recognize that you may have some questions regarding the project, so we’ve created an FAQ list to answer some of your inquiries. Click here to read and review!
If you have any additional questions that may not be answered on this list, please feel free to contact us at hello@wilderfutures.com!