Azhe-mino-gahbewewin: Understanding Local Community Priorities For Reconciliation In Kenora, Ontario

“My hope for the future is being able to get along and live together … to take care of the land and water and air … to share our lands and resources in the way that was intended by the treaty … and it doesn’t matter who you are, that you can have access to food and clothes and medicine and the help that you need.” – Robert Greene (Anishinaabe)

Reconciliation, Responsibility, & Community Priorities In Kenora

The Azhe-mino-gahbewewin project is a SSHRC-funded, community-driven initiative examining what reconciliation means in the Kenora region and how local priorities can guide meaningful, long-term change. Co-designed by Reconciliation Kenora and Dr. Jeffrey Denis, a settler sociologist at McMaster University, the project responds directly to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. Guided by an Elders Circle and grounded in local knowledge, the research centres Indigenous leadership, community relationships, and collaborative inquiry.

“It’s about acknowledging all the harms that have happened thus far but going beyond that and finding solutions …. And whatever you have to contribute, it’s good …. We all need to work together and care for one another.” – Sherry Copenace (Anishinaabe)

Understanding reconciliation at the local level is essential for moving beyond national narratives and toward community-informed action.

In Kenora, where Indigenous-settler relations continue to be shaped by racism, violence, and structural inequality, participants emphasized that meaningful change requires healing, education, relational accountability, and restoring balance with each other and the land.

Many described reconciliation as a long-term, relational process; others preferred the Anishinaabemowin term Azhe-mino-gahbewewin, meaning “stepping back to move forward in a good way.” Some Indigenous participants rejected reconciliation altogether, calling instead for decolonization, resurgence, and self-determination. These perspectives highlight the need for Indigenous-led solutions, settler responsibility, and structural transformation rooted in local priorities.

“Reconciliation means trying to restore us to a respectful partnership in the sense that was intended by the First Nations at the time of treaty-making.” – E.W. Stach (settler)

The project involved a youth sharing circle with 11 Anishinaabe, Métis, and settler participants; 47 in-depth interviews with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, Elders, activists, and Knowledge Keepers; participant observation at community events; and a 2023 public gathering, Booshkegiin Kenora.

The research identifies community-informed recommendations for change across housing, healthcare, education, justice, treaty relations, cultural revitalization, and land stewardship.

Quotes From Research Participants

 

 

“If they [settlers] want to make things better, they have to learn to respect the earth.” – Sally Skead (Anishinaabe)

“To be forced to look in the mirror, that’s the first step in reconciliation: the non-Indigenous people have to figure out who they are …. There needs to be transformative change in the non-Anishinaabeg community in order for there to be any hope of reconciliation …. There needs to be respect for [Anishinaabe] law and jurisdiction. There needs to be land back. There needs to be a huge power adjustment.” – Cuyler Cotton (settler)

 

“I always say to [settlers], ‘Learn my language. Show me how committed you are …. If we are truly to communicate, you need to speak Ojibwe. To understand me. Where the voice of my spirit is coming from.” – Daryl Redsky (Anishinaabe)

Publications

Researchers

Jeffrey Denis

PhD

Associate Professor, Sociology
Associate Professor, Social Psychology

denisj@mcmaster.ca