Words Matter: Reconciliation Begins With Listening and Learning

 Words Matter: Reconciliation Begins With Listening and Learning

Sometimes the smallest corrections can teach us the biggest lessons.

Recently, I was reminded that even a word's spelling can carry history, culture, and respect. I learned that many Indigenous organizations and educators use the spelling tipi, rather than "teepee." It seems like a small difference, but it is a reminder that language is connected to identity, and that learning never stops.

That is what reconciliation is about.

It is not about pretending we know everything. It is about being willing to listen.

I have spent years learning from Indigenous artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and educators. I was honoured to be part of a Carving and Reconciliation Cohort, where we created two panels together—one honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and another remembering the children who never returned home from Residential Schools.

It was a powerful and emotional process.

We were guided by Squamish Elder Shane Pointe, who taught us through carving, chanting, drumming, and cultural teachings. He helped us move through difficult conversations and emotions with compassion and wisdom. We also learned alongside Aaron Nelson-Moody, known as Splash, and were fortunate to have a visit from Xwalacktun (Ricky Harry), whose dedication to teaching through art has inspired generations.

I have seen how art becomes a bridge.

I remember taking three newcomer children I cared for as a nanny to see Indigenous artists working on Reconciliation Poles. They were able to watch the carving, touch the cedar, ask questions, and experience Indigenous culture directly. I wanted them to understand that the history of this land did not begin when Europeans arrived. The story of this place reaches back thousands of years.

Later, their parents continued that learning journey with them, taking them to experience Indigenous cultures, staying in tipis, and visiting places where they could learn more.

That is how understanding grows.

Not through arguments. Not through fear. Through experience.

This is why the conversation around language matters.

I remember asking Shane Pointe about the name Union of BC Indian Chiefs. At a time when many people were moving toward terms like First Nations and Indigenous, why did the organization continue using the word "Indian"?

His answer stayed with me.

Some words remain because of history, law, and because Indigenous people themselves have chosen to keep them. Context matters. The most respectful thing we can do is listen to how people identify themselves and understand why those words exist.

Over the last decade, many Canadians have worked hard to learn new language. Schools, teachers, museums, artists, and communities have worked to bring Indigenous history and culture into education. Children are visiting artists, seeing carving, learning about canoes, weaving, songs, ceremonies, and the truth of what happened through Residential Schools.

This is not about erasing history.

It is about finally learning the full history.

That is why it is painful to see debates that seem to move us backwards. Before changing language back, perhaps we should ask: Have we listened to the people whose histories and cultures these words represent?

Chief Dan George spoke about rising from hardship and rebuilding with dignity and strength. His message was not about division—it was about hope, equality, and a future where Indigenous people could stand proudly.

Louis Riel is often quoted as saying that it would be artists who would give the people back their spirit. Whether through carving, painting, weaving, music, dance, or storytelling, artists continue to do exactly that.

They keep culture alive.

They create connection.

They teach.

Reconciliation is not a destination where we arrive and stop learning. It is a journey. Sometimes that journey begins with a carving. Sometimes with a conversation. Sometimes with learning that even a word's spelling matters.

The question is not whether we will make mistakes.

The question is whether we are willing to learn from them.

Because that is where respect begins.

10 Reflective Questions

1. What words do we use when talking about Indigenous peoples, and do we understand the history and meaning behind those words?

2. Have we taken the time to listen to Indigenous people about how they identify themselves and why certain terms matter?

3. How can we move beyond learning about reconciliation in theory and create real connections in our communities?

4. What can art teach us about history, culture, healing, and understanding?

5. Have we given our children opportunities to learn Indigenous history and culture through experiences, not just textbooks?

6. How can we approach conversations about language with curiosity instead of defensiveness?

7. What is one thing you have learned about Indigenous cultures that changed your understanding of Canada’s history?

8. How can artists, teachers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers help build stronger communities?

9. What does reconciliation look like in everyday life—not just in ceremonies or official statements?

10. Are we willing to keep learning, even when that means admitting we did not know something before?

#Reconciliation

#WordsMatter

#IndigenousEducation

#LearningTogether

#TruthAndReconciliation

#ListenAndLearn

#IndigenousArtists

#CultureAndConnection

#ArtAsHealing

#BuildingBridges