In our last episode of this season we talk with Leonard Doell, Indigenous Neighbours Coordinator at MCC Saskatchewan. Leonard has been employed by MCC for more than 20 years and has spent 40 years doing reconciliation work with the Young Chippewayan people and Mennonite and Lutheran farmers in the Laird area.

Leonard speaks about how his work has been built on the good will of those who went before him and his hope that others will come to build on the work that he has done. He invites people to create shared understandings – by learning each other’s histories and participating in events together. Leonard’s stories also highlight the work that needs to be done by both individuals and institutions. Due to the depth of his knowledge of the people and land he speaks intimately about the challenges and achievements of this story. As Leonard says, “We know how imperfect the story is, but we also know it is inspirational.”

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Links from the episode:

Stoney Knoll history

Reserve 107

Spruce River Folkfest - August 10, 2019 will be the 10th annual Spruce River Folkfest

Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan

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Reconcile. Everyday Conversations is a project of Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan aimed at facilitating conversations among settler/non-Indigenous Canadians around our role in reconciliation.

Project Coordinator: Heather Peters
Recording and Editing: Jo Kroeker
Music by A Northern Road to Glory