The Camp Kerry Society is striving to meet an unmet need in the Royal City for those who are grieving.
In partnership with Douglas College’s Aboriginal Student Services, the society has launched a reconciliation circles program that provides a compassionated space where adults of any age who are grieving a death can gather and share stories of love, loss, meaning, ongoing connections and legacy. The next reconciliation circle is on Tuesday, July 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
“With people who have lost, there comes a point in their loss where people around them really aren’t able or willing to have conversations any more about the person who died. We really wanted to, knowing how much loss there is in the community, we wanted to create a space where people could come and talk about that relationship,” said Heather Mohan, executive director of the Camp Kerry Society. “They can remember.”
The reconciliation circles, led by trained facilitators, incorporate the use of a variety of healing, non-denominational rituals within a talking circle format. Participants are encouraged to bring a “precious object” to share with the group, such as a photo, article of jewelery, memorabilia or clothing that represents their connection to their loved one.
“There will be music, there will be a sharing circle. People are welcome to bring photos or objects that kind of connect them. They don’t have to speak,” Mohan said. “There will be people to create a safe space. We know there’s not really anything like this in the community.”
Although the reconciliation circle is being offered in partnership with Douglas College’s Aboriginal Student Services, Mohan said it’s not limited to people from the aboriginal community.
“We just know, based on our work at the reconciliation panel, that there is a lot of loss in that community, obviously,” she said. “It’s kind of like where do people go? It’s not a grief group per se, it’s really more of a ritual that allows people to name that connection, which most people carry with them anyway but we don’t have places to honour it.”
The Camp Kerry Society is seeking grant funding to try and offer reconciliation circles on an ongoing basis. The July 4 event takes place at the Gathering Place, room 4650 on the fourth floor of Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.
Admission is by donation. For more information, call 604-553-4663.
