Today, I had the honor of being one of the four panelists from different backgrounds at the Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue event organized by Richmond Multicultural Community Services. One of the panelists, Norm Leech, an indigenous chief, shared valuable insights into the concept of Truth and Reconciliation.

As an immigrant, I was reminded of the importance of embracing the opportunities and responsibilities that come with living in Canada. One of these responsibilities is engaging with the truth and reconciliation process that Canada has undertaken.

It’s essential to acknowledge with deep gratitude that we are living on the ancestral unceded lands of the Musqueam people, the hən ̓q ̓əmin ̓əm ̓language group, particularly for Richmond residents. This acknowledgment holds significant meaning and emphasizes the Indigenous heritage of the land I now call home.

While I may have previously acknowledged the challenges faced by Indigenous people, I had not fully grasped the impact of European settlement and cultural subjugation on our nation. It was easy to attribute these issues to the past and distance myself from them as a recent immigrant. This mindset allowed many of us who have immigrated to Canada more recently to distance ourselves from the Truth and Reconciliation dialogue of the last decade.

Furthermore, it’s important to recognize how many new immigrants, including myself, have unknowingly accepted and perpetuated negative stereotypes about Indigenous communities, which were passed down by earlier settler cultures.

The dialogue and insights from Chief Noam have been eye-opening and have reminded me of the importance of understanding and gratitude in the process of Truth and Reconciliation. I am grateful for the acceptance and welcoming of this country, especially by the Indigenous people. It has changed the way I view and treat marginalized groups, including the homeless and particularly the Indigenous people. As Christians, we acknowledge that the land we inhabit is God’s land, and we strive to live in reconciliation every day. Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment, and we must strive to live it out in our daily lives.