Muskowekwan Historical Site Advisory Group (MHSAG)
In August 2021, a general meeting that was open to the public regarding the Muskowekwan Historical Site was held at the Muskowekwan Band Hall with 6 people in attendance. With work developing on the project and a need for community consultation, portfolio councillor committed to meet with a group to assist in the whole project. The core group now varies from 20 to 30 members who are committed to overseeing, planning and advising on the project work. Other members drop in and join on an ad hoc basis. The group has established the following guidelines:
- Monthly meetings set for the 1st Wednesday of each month.
- Core values established (love, respect, honesty, humility, courage/bravery, wisdom and the foundation, truth)
- Membership includes elders, survivors, former students and other members.
MHSAG Objectives
The group consists of survivors, former students, descendants and interested members of the nation. The objectives of the Historical Site Advisory Group are as follows:
- To assist leadership in prayer for the healing, reconciliation and wellness of our nation
- Create sacred spaces of healing, learning, culture, language and holistic health opportunities for survivors, former students, descendants and members of our nation
- To advise and make recommendations in meeting the Historical Site project goals, engagement and planning sessions
- To do our best in respecting that everyone has their own experience with the history of residential school, whether we experienced direct or multi-generational impacts, everyone has their own truth, every single story or experience is valued and respected in our circle. We honor their contribution. Prayer leads our path to truth, reconciliation and healing. We will be supportive in our own journey of healing and do our best to create better for the next 7 generations.
The group identified core values of love, respect, honesty, humility, courage (bravery), wisdom and the foundation of all-truth as their guiding principles in all aspects of the project.
The Muskowekwan Historical Site Advisory Group has a core group of dedicated members that have contributed in many ways. The advisory group has become an integral source of assistance, guidance and most importantly bringing prayer throughout the process of the project. The group is a valued source of support for the portfolio councillor in the coordination of the project.