There were many insightful and inspirational stories at the Canadian Community for Dialogue and Deliberation conference in Toronto last month. It was a gathering of people from many different concerns: professionals from government, the voluntary sector and business, academics and practitioners, community activists, tenant leaders of Toronto Community Housing, and engaged young people. Over four days, there were opportunities for sharing, learning, networking, and of course, dialogue. I felt that there were some emergent themes of the conference as I experienced it. The requirement for listening to and understanding others as a prerequisite to solidarity. The importance of thoughtful design to processes of dialogue, and the inclusions of those affected as participants in the planning, procedure and outcomes of dialogue and deliberation. And the remarkable capacity of networks that can develop across communities and disciplines, through the strength of our collective energy and cooperation.

There was one powerful learning moment that stood out for myself, and that left a lasting impression on many of the participants. And it was the result of a mistake, an oversight by the organizers that created an unfortunate experience for a group of Onkwehonwe (Indigenous) youth who had traveled from communities out of Province to attend this conference. One of the scheduled evening sessions was about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on residential schools, and the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. And it was scheduled to take place in a bar – a place that serves alcohol.

The following day, after the morning plenary, the organizers acknowledged an oversight, and invited the Onkwehonwe youth to come up on stage and share their feelings and insights about this mistake. They were articulate, thoughtful, and angry. They proudly displayed their Six Nations and Mohawk flags. Several individuals spoke about what this incident meant to them, personally and culturally, and they shared their reflections on the impacts of residential schools, and alcoholism, upon their communities and their blood history. They put forth their perspectives on how a logistical decision of the organizers had sent a negative message and had hurt them. One young woman channeled her thoughts about negative perceptions of her identity very powerfully into a spoken word performance that brought a standing ovation. I can honestly say it was one of the most poignant and emotional performances I have ever seen and felt. It seemed as though collectively they were speaking truth to power, and we were all learning something important – but it had been at their expense.

This event may have changed the tone of the conference. By directly addressing a wrong, the organizers and these Onkwehonwe youth had created new awareness, empathy, support and interest in those of us who witnessed and heard them. It was an opportunity to address everyone that was not pre-programmed. And afterwards, at lunch tables and in hallways, people asked one another “what did you think of that?”