On May 14th, we held the graduation of Calgary's 6th cohort. We met at Moh’kinsstis—the meeting of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, in the traditional land of the of the Blackfoot Confederacy, shared by the Beaver people of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, the Nakota people of the Stoney Nations, and the Metis people. We acknowledge that historical injustices created Treaty 7, and are grateful to be living in a time that our collective good will and works have begun the steps to make reconciliation our basis for sharing these lands.
We held our program check-out in the afternoon, which included a review of the year and ended with the cohort exchanging gifts and affirmations for everyone. This was followed by an evening grad celebration, attended by 40 guests: friends, family members, partners, presenters, advisory committee folks, funders and presenters. Evening highlights included the food, backyard campfire (with S'mores!), and the premier of a short documentary (by Richard Blais) about this year's CommunityConnection. Here it is for you to enjoy.
Next Up 6 is thankful for the ongoing, dedicated support that our program receives from the grads, peer coaches, presenters and funders. We also acknowledge the close collaboration of the Parkland Institute, Public Interest Alberta, The Arusha Centre, and CommunityWise (our host facility). We are deeply appreciative for each other's support in our journey as progressive leaders for social and environmental justice.
