Feb 13 - Feb 17 2016

Yes, this workshop will change my life. I learned things that will forever change the way I make decisions. For a long time, I judged First Nations people based on widespread prejudices, and I think this workshop give me the opportunity to meet extraordinary people. What I learned from them also changed the way I see them. I think that will permit more connection between us. Even if we think we know to communicate, this process helps us understand how it feels when we take the time to listen and not just hear what others are sharing around us.

Melaine Anita Adou – St. Boniface MB (originally from Ivory Coast)

This workshop has enabled me to open up to others in regards to the hurts and pains of my story to enable me to put aside my story and speak from “me”. The spirit of this program teaches each one of our hearts, it help to bring peace from within, and helps to see the vision of empowerment to walk as one. The spirit of Life within ourselves, to balance and ground myself in ways I hadn’t known. I myself have been doing work of reconciliation for many years, with a vision that was gifted to me, and I am honoured to be a part of this process of “menobimadiziwin” (good life, living well). Thank you from the bottom of my heart or should I say from my heart because my heart doesn’t have a bottom.

Cathy Fobister – Grassy Narrows First Nation MB

Feb 14 - Feb 18 2015

This workshop is a bridge builder. When you enter there is tension but when you leave there is togetherness that is real. I left and my body was completely free from tension, completely relaxed.

Gabrielle Dupuis, St-Boniface, Manitoba

I’ve been afraid to speak because after speaking at the Truth and Reconciliation commission I’ve been ostracized by Canadians. I can stand and speak again after being in this reconciliation at Winnipeg. It shall be! Megwich! Kleco!

Louise Martin, Port Alberni, British Columbia

May 12 - May 16 2014

This workshop has made a difference in my life by moving forward into the future with a renewed relationship with not only the Aboriginal Peoples and Non Aboriginal Peoples that are in my life presently but future Aboriginal People and Non-Aboriginal People to enter my life later. My conversations from now on will be from my heart and not from a place where a story has manifested itself. And of course once again the RTS workshop has blessed me with new friends and at the same time strengthened my relationship with current friends and co-workers that attended as well.

Patrick Coon, Gilford Island, B.C. (Kwicksutaineux-ah-Kwa-ah-Mish First Nation)

This Reconciliation workshop has helped me to see the tremendous possibilities available to us Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal peoples if we can talk to on another without blame or judgement accepting each other as fellow human beings who have both painful and joyful experiences. Genuine listening and acceptance can lead to cooperation and partnerships which seek the good of all concerned.

Elizabeth Poilievre,  Prince George, B.C.

May 27 - May 31 2013

Reconciliation has allowed me to see people for who they are. I don’t see color or difference in what we do in our job, who we praise and where and how we live. It has shown me acceptance, love, sincerity, royalty and able to be vulnerable.

Joyce Schram, Nakazdli, BC

RTS has been a very emotional journey for me. It has renewed my commitment for happiness and forgiveness in my life. It has opened the possibilities for complete joy and acceptance I have the intentionality for reconciliation with myself and all those I care about. I feel valued and accepted. I am incredibly honoured that I was able to bare- witness to the healing and reconciliation of all participants. This workshop is an amazing gift and will transform my relationship and partnership with all people. Everyone who participates in this process will make a difference in their life and the lives of children.

Cathy Mason, Prince George, BC

Mar 18 - Mar 22 2013

I feel I want to create the kind circle of conversation in my daily relationship because I have a growing awareness of how powerful the process can be. It is a way of bringing reconciliation into my daily life. Adjusting my point of view through deep listening can only bring about conversations of immense possibility. It is because of First Nations people that all this has happened for me. I am grateful for the gift of First Nations in my life.

Donna Dolan RSCJ, Halifax, NS

It opened my eyes to look at myself and help filter out the negativeness that had in my spirit. It gave me hope to be a better person the rest of my life. Thank you. You were all excellent presenters. We were like petals when we got here. Individual and alone as we progressed and on the last day we became beautiful flowers. Thank you!

Margaret Poulette, We’koq Maq

Jun 15 - Jun 19 2013

RTS has shown me “it is what it is” and to let go and spread this opening of wisdom to teach and heal at the same time. I feel broader and ready to excel in my life, family and my community. It has shown me what I was missing and shown me my calling and that is “ I want to help and join this magnificent team & become a trainer”, I have a new dream, a reality. I will pray about this and continue in this journey of healing.

Corrine Sayazie, Black Lake, SK

It powerful way inspired me. Strengthen my own journey of life and my ministry among the communities; especially among aboriginal brothers and sisters. I really heard the stories of many people from the past. It also made me strong in hope and peace. The coordinators or leaders helped a lot to build the bridge of Reconciliation between the Aboriginal and Non- Aboriginal members. This program helps to bring light and wisdom to individuals and communities to build a better Canada and better future and better world.

Fr. Paul Payyapilly, Fort Smith, NWT

Feb 18 - Feb 22 2013

This workshop bring Peace and Hope into my life. It was a before and after the first one, and now again, I feel a before and an after. As a mother and as a teacher, I think that this workshop is essential. Not only because allows me to reconcile to myself, but also because it show me how necessary I am for my family and my community. This workshop allow me, for the first time in my life, to feel that I belong to a community, to a brotherhood and that Love is real, that a lot of people is working and making big efforts in order to make a difference in the world. Peace and Justice are possible because we were capable to make them real during these days.

Maria Arentsen - Saint Boniface University, Winnipeg, MB

It has made a great difference in my life by healing, new insight, knowing that I am not alone in this journey. More respect to people of all nations race and color. Being from B.C, West Coast and having the greatest opportunity to reconcile with people from Manitoba. This showed me we all have the same struggles in life and together we are stronger. Most important is knowing that "Reconciliation is Possible". That I am responsible for me. I am responsible for what give and take in life!!

Darlene Dick - Ahousaht, BC

Apr 08 - Apr 12 2013

This workshop has opened doors for me and my family and created space for more conversations to arise. RTS is so amazing and powerful and gives you a positive outcome after an experience with other people.

Andrea Cowley Hollow Water

Well this workshop opened my eyes to new possibilities, and new ways to solve my problems. Also it showed me ways to better my life for me and my son. So thank you all. I’ll see you around.

Tim Moneyas Hollow Water

Nov 05 - Nov 09 2012

The RTS workshop helped me to look at my past - being a student who went to Residential School-and helped me accept the losses I suffered and to forgive those who were in charge of this and to finally be able to let go of the baggage I carried all my life.  I feel inspired and motivated to hold my head up and be who I truly am without shame or guilt.  I can talk to others about Residential School and not to let others in the larger society forget this happened and to promote better relationships between Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal people. Mah Ci Cho

Joyce Beattie - Cranbrook, BC

I have experienced more deeply than ever “We are One” and that is an amazing gift of the spirit at work in our hearts.  My identity is a oneness & we-ness forever.  I feel gifted with a stronger call to be a compassionate bridge builder and upstander - no longer to be a bystander.  I will never be quite the same-and am grateful for such a deeply loving experience: challenging . Thank you to all.

Nina Glinski CND - Cranbrook, East Kootenay, BC

May 12 - May 16 2012

The 1st testimonial I wrote stated how I thought the Nuns, Priests and brothers were like aliens but I understood their need for acceptance, that they too had fear, insecurity.  I felt that was an eye opened.  Today I realize I was only using my mouth for expressing how I felt.  Today after my second RTS Reconciliation workshop I can say it with my heart and with deep feeling. The cup is and will always replenish with new understanding and revelation of ones own feelings about IRS. My deep and heart felt appreciation to the RTS trainers who take the time and commitment to share knowledge gained from Marc.  Quana.  God Bless

Marie Lucie Uviluq, Cambridge Bay, NU

During my meditation this morning what was revealed to me was, the depth to each and every person in our gathering.  What amazing gifts and talents each person brought in to the room or what they give to the world except this time I was blessed to be allowed to experience them. When I went to sit down there was a slip of paper on my chair saying “We Thank you, O God, for all your works are wonderful” etc.  Many things fell into place for me.

Monica Loomis, Norman Wells, NT

May 28 - Jun 01 2012

I have worked hard for years on my personal healing. Helping others heal was an important part of how I healed .For the last couple of years I have felt I needed to do something more, but didn’t understand where I needed to go. I feel this workshop has opened up new possibilities for me. I have gone deeper into myself this past week than I have in a long time. I am grateful.

Tom Wainwright, Prince George BC

The difference in my life from this workshop is I’m more open and I can start up a conversation in my own way. I never did open up to anybody but this time I talk to so many people and I was comfortable.

Gracie Sam, Nakazdli, Ft St James BC

Nov 01 - Mar 31 2011

It has helped me to heal my woundedness, and help my children, grandchildren. Doing the necessary work to heal has created space for me to do things I wouldn’t have done without the RTS seminars. I know that I will be successful doing anything that I choose to do. Lots to say; grateful, love you all!

Louise Martin, Tla-o-qui-aht, Port Alberni, BC

The seminars have continued the healing from growing up in a home afflicted by/with substance abuse. I have been able to make completions with family and friends and created the space for new possibilities to show up along with the “spirit” of who I truly am. I will be making bringing RTS to my community a top project in the near future.

Vicki Hamilton, Campbell River, BC

Aug 21 - Aug 24 2017

Everyone suffers from some sort of hurt.  This workshop allows you to identify and work through it without any judgement or comparison to others.  Even if you don’t think you need it, it will surprise you and offer you tools that will help you deal with everyday life situations.

Beth Holmberg, Houston BC

Please attend this totally awesome workshop, this will surely help your reserve become healthy and achieving unity on your reserve.  If you are shy, at the end of the workshop you will have a voice.  Creating a healthy reserve will start after completing workshop.  I guarantee this.

Joseph Charlie, Prince George BC

Apr 24 - Apr 27 2017

This workshop made me look at what I could do.  Made me think of ME!  A lot has gone through my mind of ways to let go and look to the future.  Made me realize I am not alone, there are others who share my thoughts.  There are people who care and can help.  I only need to reach out.

Christine Joseph, Yekooche BC

This workshop taught me how to step out of your shell or speak out about what you want.  It really helped me with the decision I made in my life about trying to get people on our reserve to stop doing drugs and alcohol.  I want to make a difference!

Victoria Joseph, Yekooche BC

Mar 31 - Apr 03 2017

I felt like I was just alive and dead walking, before coming to Returning to Spirit.  I did not know where or what I was doing or going, like life was becoming pointless.  Doing the work in RTS has brought me to a new light and I am ready to use the tools in my everyday life.

Linnea Martell, Waterhen Lake, SK

I enjoyed the workshop, it helped me to see another side of me.  My dream and hope is to see all of us to be able to recognize who we are.  Today I found a new way of looking at my relatives and my relationships.  I am so glad that I came to this workshop.

Rod Alexis, Glenevis AB

Feb 10 - Feb 13 2017

Personally, I have always been a quiet person, only really opening up to my close friends. This workshop helped me realise that I’m not the only one seeing other people overcome this has helped me to do the same; let go of my inner judgements. It has also helped me cope with my emotions by teaching me the proper way of forgiveness and dealing with all of the negativity in my day-­‐to-­‐day life. Thank you.

(youth name not published)

During this workshop, many of my self opinions about myself, my friends, my family and past relationships have made a area for forgiveness and acceptance which is very important to be able to live happy and healthy in everyday life. I have learned my way of survival and what my practices have done to me in holding me back to be able to reach my potential.

(youth name not published)

Aug 08 - Aug 11 2018

Évaluations – (Evaluations)

Atelier autochtone, 8-11 août 2018, Indigenous Workshop Ekuanitshit (Mingan), Québec

Les onze participantes ont été invitées à répondre aux questions suivantes : (The eleven participants were ask to answer the following question:)

12. Que dirais-tu à quelqu’un qui n’est pas sûr que cet atelier est pour lui ou pour elle? (12. What would you say to someone who is not sure that this workshop is for him or her?)

Je dirais que c’est un lieu sécurisant rempli d’amour qui respecte ce qu’elle est, elle au depart. Que le tournant dans sa vie est important pour mettre du bien-être dans sa vie.
Qu’il y a des moments précieux et uniques qu’elle va vivre dans cet atelier.

I would say that it is a safe place: it is filled with love and it respects who you are from the beginning. That the shifting in one's life is important to insert well-being in our life. There are precious and unique moments that you will live in this workshop.

Rita Mestokosho, Ekuanitshit (Mingan), Québec

Un des meilleurs ressourcements que j’ai fait… même je pourrais dire le meilleure. Avec une approche que je n’ai jamais vu. Ça cherche toute mon histoire, mes blessures, mes incomplétudes pour les guérir (en parler) et lâcher-prise (pardon).

One of the best trainings that I have followed… in fact I could say the best. With an approach that I have never seen, it gets my entire story, my wounds, my incompletions to heal them (in talking) and to let go (in forgiveness).

Solange Basile, Mingan (Ekuanitshit), Québec

Oct 23 - Oct 26 2018

Les dix-huit participant.e.s ont été invités à répondre aux questions suivantes : (The eighteen participants were asked to answer the following question:)

12. Que dirais-tu à quelqu’un qui n’est pas sûr que cet atelier est pour lui ou pour elle? (12. What would you say to someone who is not sure that this workshop is for him or her?)

Ce séjour peut te réconcilier avec toi, avec les autres, avec le bonheur dans sa simple compréhension. Tu demeures toujours libre de toi dans la démarche.
Il se prive d’une occasion pour mieux se réconcilier avec son propre passé et s’ouvrir à une plus grande facilité de l’acceptation de l’autre dans le pardon.

This journey can reconcile you with you, with others, with happiness in its basic meaning. You always remain free in the process.
He deprives himself of an occasion to reconcile himself with his past and to open himself to a greater capacity to accept the other in forgiveness.

Claude Deschênes, Sacré Coeur, QC

Que l’atelier allochtone permet de mieux se connaître, de voir ce qui peut me bloquer dans la vie, de mon moyen de défense (de survie). Atelier bon pour tous.
Sachant qu’elle me mettra en contact de réconciliation avec l’autochtone, c’est sûrement bon pour l’avenir.

The non-Indigenous workshop allows one to know oneself better, to see what may be an obstacle to my life, my way of survival. Workshop great for all. Knowing that it will lead me to reconciliation with Indigenous people, it has to be good for the future.

Gérard Boudreault, Pessamit, QC

Peu importe où tu es dans ta vie, dans tes relations avec les autres et avec toi-même, nous avons tous un jour ou l’autre besoin d’un coup de pouce pour nous remettre à avancer et à être aux commandes de ce que nous devenons. Cette session procure des moyens et met des mots sur des concepts qui pourront t’éclairer pendant longtemps. Fais-toi ce cadeau appréciable!

No matter where you are in your life, in your relationships with others and with yourself, one day or another we all need a helping hand to move forward and be in charge of our
becoming. This workshop provides the tools and puts words on some concepts that can enlighten us for a long time, Give yourself this very precious gift!

Jocelyn Girard, Chicoutimi, QC

Nov 28 - Dec 01 2018

Apr 05 - Apr 08 2019

Évaluations – (Evaluations)

Atelier autochtone, 8-11 août 2018, Indigenous Workshop Ekuanitshit (Mingan), Québec

Les onze participantes ont été invitées à répondre aux questions suivantes : (The eleven participants were ask to answer the following question:)

12. Que dirais-tu à quelqu’un qui n’est pas sûr que cet atelier est pour lui ou pour elle? (12. What would you say to someone who is not sure that this workshop is for him or her?)

Je dirais que c’est un lieu sécurisant rempli d’amour qui respecte ce qu’elle est, elle au depart. Que le tournant dans sa vie est important pour mettre du bien-être dans sa vie.
Qu’il y a des moments précieux et uniques qu’elle va vivre dans cet atelier.

I would say that it is a safe place: it is filled with love and it respects who you are from the beginning. That the shifting in one's life is important to insert well-being in our life. There are precious and unique moments that you will live in this workshop.

Rita Mestokosho, Ekuanitshit (Mingan), Québec

Un des meilleurs ressourcements que j’ai fait… même je pourrais dire le meilleure. Avec une approche que je n’ai jamais vu. Ça cherche toute mon histoire, mes blessures, mes incomplétudes pour les guérir (en parler) et lâcher-prise (pardon).

One of the best trainings that I have followed… in fact I could say the best. With an approach that I have never seen, it gets my entire story, my wounds, my incompletions to heal them (in talking) and to let go (in forgiveness).

Solange Basile, Mingan (Ekuanitshit), Québec