More openness and understanding is needed between communities like Cochrane and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation to heal the scars of the past on both sides, says the friend of an award-winning aboriginal artist appearing in Cochrane next month.
“When you actually meet indigenous people and you hear their story and you see what they’ve overcome, your whole perspective of who they are changes,” said Cheryl Buchanan this week. “Your heart just can’t not be moved.”
Anderson met award-winning artist Cheryl Bear about a decade ago, and was herself moved by the British Columbia resident’s emotional message of reconciliation and healing – told through story and song.
The two became friends, and now, Buchanan works alongside Bear to help facilitate discussion between indigenous and non-indigenous people.
Buchanan works with the food bank in Morley, among other initiatives there, and said she has seen first-hand amount of separation between the two communities.
“There really is a segregation here,” she said. “They don’t feel safe in our community, and we don’t necessarily feel safe in our community. A lot of it is fear based on both sides.”
Bear’s background will help people in both towns to see a new perspective.
“She identifies with her indigenous friends – her mom was a residential school survivor, she knows the trauma – and yet she’s been part of church communities for most of her life and ministry,” said Buchanan. “She can speak to both sides.”
The Coffee & Dessert with Cheryl Bear event takes place at the Heritage House Coffee Co. on Friday Nov. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. for a minimum $5 donation at the door. The evening is sponsored by the Cochrane Alliance Church, Bow Valley Baptist Church and Rockpointe Church.
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