Reconciliation Advisory Table Community Learning Series
This Reconciliation Advisory Table Learning Series is a project of the Comox Valley Reconciliation Advisory Table, a round table of Comox Valley’s local governments working collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and urban Indigenous peoples and organizations on advancing reconciliation and relationship building in our community.
The Reconciliation Advisory Table was formed in 2022 and includes participants from the K’ómoks First Nation, Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society, Kumugwe Cultural Society, MIKSIW Métis Association, Sasamans Society, Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry, City of Courtenay, Comox Valley Regional District, Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland. Public education is a key priority for the Advisory Table and this new Learning Series marks a key milestone in the group’s work.
In 2023, the Comox Valley Reconciliation Advisory Table commissioned artist Jessie Everson, to help communicate its reconciliation journey. The story of the Table began with the creation of a unique logo representing the constant flow of ideas and feelings around reconciliation. Jessie then created two additional graphics, the grizzly and the whale, to capture the Advisory Table's priorities of connection, learning, and cultural heritage.
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For a more detailed look at the meaning behind each of these images, click on the link below to read the artist's statement:
Community Learning Series Event Listing
THIS EVENT IS AVAILABLE ON LIVESTREAM
The Story of the K'ómoks~ Traditional Indigenous Land Use at Pentlatch
Thursday, April 23 | 7-8:30 pm
Join us for a free public presentation by K'ómoks First Nation archaeologist Dr. Jesse Morin and K'omoks First Nation Culture Manager Pamela Mitchell as they share "The Story of the K’ómoks: Cultural Topography of Traditional Indigenous Land Use at Pentlatch."
This presentation provides an excellent foundation of understanding about the long-standing presence of Indigenous people in the Comox Valley, explores how K’ómoks culture is a blend of Kwakwaka'wakw and Salish culture and shares powerful examples of reconciliation and cultural resilience here in our community.
Tickets to this event are sold out but viewing is available via livestream. Click here to watch
Learning Lounge: Ancestral Echoes × Art Wagon
Pop-up podcast listening event — FREE
Friday, April 24 | 1–4 PM
CVAG Plaza, 580 Duncan Ave, Downtown Courtenay
Drop by the CV/Arts Art Wagon—now a mobile listening booth—for a relaxed, free afternoon of snacks and episodes from Ancestral Echoes. Hear multigenerational conversations between MIKI’SIW Métis Elders and youth from Season 1. All are welcome! Bring a friend — listen, learn, and connect with important conversations about the rich culture and history of the Métis people. Ancestral Echoes is funded through Service Canada New Horizons for Seniors.
Film Screening: Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams
22:07 Minute Stop Motion Animation - FREE
Friday, April 24th | Screening time 4 - 5 PM
Cumberland Museum, 2680 Dunsmuir Ave, Cumberland
Through this film the whole family is invited to explore actions that we can all take towards reconciliation! This is a NEW film in the Spirit Bear Series, honouring the memories of all the children and families affected by residential schools and the veterans who fought for peace and justice for all people in Canada.
Standing in Empathy
Saturday, April 25 | 1:00 - 4 :00 pm
K'ómoks First Nation Big House, 3322 Comox Road
"Standing in Empathy" is an immersive workshop that weaves the historical timeline of Canada and its relationship with Indigenous Peoples and helps participants understand the impacts of that timeline that Indigenous Canadians are living with today.
This workshop is being extended to community organizations and employers who may not have had the opportunity to access reconciliation learning or training through their workplace or organization.
Facilitators are Keisha Everson, Genie Lindsay and Kia Everson. Keisha and Kia come from the Gigal’g̱a̱m 'Walas Kwagu'ł and the K’ómoks First Nation and Genie is Anishinaabe from Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They will share the untold or misrepresented histories about Indigenous Peoples across Canada and on Vancouver Island.
An invitation is required to register. For more information email the event organizer.
About the Comox Valley Reconciliation Advisory Table
In late 2022, Comox Valley local governments, urban Indigenous groups and the K'ómoks First Nation formed a Reconciliation Advisory Table intended to guide local governments down the path of meaningful reconciliation.
Who We Are
The Advisory Table is made up of regular participants from K’ómoks First Nation, Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society, Kumugwe Cultural Society, MIKI'SIW Métis Association, Sasamans Society, the Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry, the City of Courtenay, CVRD, Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland.
The following groups have expressed an interest in the work of the Advisory Table and have asked to stay informed about its activities: Homalco First Nation, Klahoose First Nation, Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society, Laichwiltach Family Life Society, Northern Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society, Qualicum First Nation, We Wai Kai Nation and Wei Wai Kum First Nation.
We are pleased to feature the digital artwork of Jessie Everson, who has lent us his time and talent to help us communicate our reconciliation journey through his beautiful graphics.
What We Do
Our members have determined that they will focus their work in two key areas:
Provide advice to local governments on reconciliation matters and about how to include Indigenous viewpoints that will help staff and elected officials to take a thoughtful and culturally safe approach to engagement, partnerships or collaboration with Indigenous partners.
Advise the local Indigenous community about how to advocate and/or engage with local governments about their initiatives.