Intercultural Purification Ceremony, Canada

Toward a Community of Communities : From Solitudes to Partnerships

A Gathering in Quebec City organized by Initiatives of Change

In 2006, the project “Towards a Community of Communities: from Solitudes to Partnership” was launched by IofC in different provinces across Canada. Since then, varied initiatives have been planned to address regional realities in view of the Quebec City Gathering at the Château Bonne Entente, May 23-25, 2008.

Initiatives of Change is an internationally recognized network of people from all cultures, nationalities and religious beliefs, committed to create bonds of trust beyond differences. In 2008, the 400th anniversary of Quebec City, under the theme “The Encounter”, gives IofC the opportunity to share from its local and global experiences of dialogue and of rapprochement

A diversified participation
Contributing to the synergy will be people from the Quebec City area and other parts of the province, along with people from various regions within the country. Also in attendance will be delegates from countries who have played an historical role in Quebec, namely France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Among other special guests, the IofC International President Mohamed Sahnoun, and former advisor to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is considering joining us. A few hundred participants are expected to take part in the various events planned during this intergenerational and multifaceted weekend. Among them, a good number of young people will play a very special part in the whole dynamic.

Converging to the Plains
One of the highlights of the weekend will take place on the Plains of Abraham. Organized by the Quebec City group Heritage and Sharing in collaboration with IofC, this open event is an opportunity to share concerns, convictions, dreams of the future, and historical perspectives with the various components of Canadian society: the Aboriginals, Francophones, Anglophones, and newer immigrants. The aim of the whole process is to revisit the past and to foresee ways of achieving a more harmonious future.

This inclusive project will constitute an important step in IofC’s continuing efforts beyond 2008 with the help of partners such as the Global Indigenous Dialogue and the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation.

New encounters, new bonds created and shared discoveries can facilitate changes of hearts and attitudes. From this, a community of multiple sources, free of mistrust and tensions, could emerge and commit to creating fruitful partnerships for the well being of all.

Lucie Pagé Laurent Gagnon
Coordinator, IofC – Quebec City Coordinator, IofC – Quebec province
Vice-President, IofC – Canada Co-Chair, Canadian Steering Committee