Baking Towards Truth and Reconciliation
Skylar is a Two-Spirit Michif Person whose Kokum (grandmother) is from Ste. Madeleine, and Mooshum (grandfather) is from Duck Bay-Camperville in Manitoba. Skylar is the Team Lead for 3-5 year old, Full Day Childcare at Marpole Neighbourhood House (MNH), and his journey of transformation, both personal and within the community, has unfolded through a deep commitment to culture, learning, and sharing.
As we approach September 30, for Skylar, Truth and Reconciliation is not just one day marked on the calendar, but “365 days of the year.” As he explains, “It’s more than just wearing an orange shirt. It’s understanding and recognizing what took place to ALL Indigenous Peoples but especially Indigenous children. The children whose graves were found and continue to be found didn’t choose that life, [and] if you don’t know [about this truth], I encourage you to learn more. That’s the meaning behind this Day of Truth and Reconciliation or [Orange Shirt Day]. Is to continue learning and learn what we can each do to be in better relationship with Indigenous communities.”
This lifelong journey of learning and sharing has taken shape at Marpole Neighbourhood House, where Skylar first became involved through his relationship with Shannon, Childcare Manager, “I met Shannon back in 2020, when I was placed with her during my practicum at school. I enjoyed so much the care and knowledge she shared with me that I have been trying to work for her ever since! The stars finally aligned and MNH worked out for that goal.”
Skylar was first hired in the MNH Toddler Program, but soon transitioned to work with the 3–5 children, where his heart and passion were rooted and gave him “the chance to grow in a professional sense where [he] became the lead for that program”.
Transformation for Skylar happens in small, powerful moments, like baking bannock with children. “I was honoured to be able to share with the children the process of baking bannock,” they recall. The process was patient, collective, and filled with joy, but “as fun as the baking process is, my favourite part is what happens afterwards”. The act was symbolic: a weaving together of tradition, and community. “Baking brings people together and it’s about creating community. I grew up with this idea instilled into me. Food and cooking are important. All around the world we are taught from our parents and grandparents and it’s the one thing we all share. Food is so important in bringing people together.”
When asked about his dream for transformation, truth and reconciliation at Marpole Neighbourhood House, Skylar is reflective: “As an Indigenous Person, I am still learning what Truth and Reconciliation means, and what that means to me. I am recognizing and reminding myself daily that everyone truly is at different stages in this learning, and to have patience and understanding about this. I see how MNH is working towards those beginning steps, and I hope that this work continues, and goes farther than just starting, but truly working towards the next step and getting into the work that’s hard.” For him, adults carry responsibility, “to educate ourselves about the land we live on and the Peoples who have been taking care of this land, and the opportunity to incorporate and share this learning with the generations to come.”
Over the past year, Skylar has started Michif lessons and hopes to bring the language into the childcare program. “I’ve [also] invited an Elder from the Squamish Nation to come and do a ‘morning meeting’ with the children. He came and shared his language as well as traditional songs.” While this has been the first Elder invited so far, Skylar shares that he hopes to invite more. Looking ahead, Skylar hopes to expand this work even further, continuing to blend cultural sharing with everyday teaching moments. “One of the things we are taught is to share what we know, I only know what it is to be Michif. I am still learning who I am, and that learning will never stop. I [will] continue to bring more of who I am and share those lessons with the children as I learn them.”
Through bannock baking, language sharing, and creating space for Elders, Skylar embodies transformation, of himself, the children, and the community. His work reflects the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation, rooted in patience, tradition, and the simple but profound act of bringing people together.
