Hiiye’yu Be Friendly to Everyone

This week, as we approach Indigenous Peoples Day, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be in good relationship—with ourselves, with each other, and with the land.

For this Teachings Tuesday, I’m honoured to share the words of someone who continues to teach me about the strength and sacredness of relationship: Wholwolet’za  George Harris Jr.

Uy skweyul siiye’yu (Good day friends),

Over the past few years, I’ve been on a journey that’s brought me to this moment—a moment I’m proud to share with you all.

In early 2022, I sat with my friends Kim and Asli, who suggested creating a program centered on building meaningful relationships between First Nations peoples and settlers. The idea felt right. Asli and I began to lay the foundation of this work in the months that followed. This was a passion project for both of us, and we poured our hearts into it.

In the Spring of 2022, I told my mother-in-law about the presentation idea and an upcoming speaking engagement at a dental conference. She worked at a dental office herself and was so proud. She felt the message of this work needed to be shared with the world. Sadly, not long after, she fell ill. Her cancer diagnosis came quickly, and she moved North to be with her son and daughter-in-law for treatment.

When the September conference date approached, I wanted to cancel and be with her, but she encouraged me to go. “If I’m still here when you’re done, come back and tell me all about it,” she said. Unfortunately, she passed away just two days before the conference. On September 16, 2022, I spoke to a room filled with dental professionals, carrying her words and spirit with me. I spoke in her honour.

After the session, I drove North to be with my wife and her family. At my mother-in-law's celebration of life, one of her co-workers approached me—she had attended the conference. She shared how deeply the session had impacted her. In that moment, I felt affirmed. My mother-in-law was right: this work needed to be shared.

Back in May 2021, I was introduced to Katy—a proud Métis woman on a journey of cultural rediscovery. It’s been an honour to witness her growth as she’s reconnected with her identity, built confidence, and learned to introduce herself in her traditional language. Over the years, Katy has become an integral part of our Culturally Committed family. Her voice, passion, and dedication to building bridges between Indigenous and settler communities continue to be a powerful force in this work.

Eventually, Katy and I had the chance to co-create a session for her workplace. I suggested we revisit the relationship-building program Asli and I had started. With Asli’s blessing, Katy and I reimagined and delivered the workshop on April 16, 2025, to an audience of about 40 people. It was well received, and afterward, we shared the experience with Kim. She suggested we record it for our community at Culturally Committed.

On May 23, 2025, Katy and I sat down to record. It felt good—until we discovered there were serious audio issues. I was frustrated and discouraged. But Kim encouraged us to see this as an opportunity to make our program even stronger. We added slides to bring the message to life visually, and on June 8, 2025, we successfully recorded our second session. There was a deep sense of relief and accomplishment. What had once been an idea, a hope, a conversation—was now a finished program.

After we finished recording, Katy reflected and said, “I think this couldn’t have worked out any better. Your first recording of this program happened on Indigenous People’s Day—and now, as we move forward with this second version, we’re set to release it near Indigenous People’s Day again.”

Indigenous People’s Day holds a special place in my heart. It’s a day where we come together to celebrate the language, culture, and strength of our people. It’s also a day when we invite settlers to witness and learn about our cultural ways of being. These moments of sharing are powerful opportunities for meaningful relationship building—and it feels fitting that this program is being released in that spirit.

As I reflect on this journey, I want to express gratitude.

To Asli: Huy ch q’u for believing in me and helping me find my voice. You helped lay the foundation for this meaningful and impactful work.

To Katy: Huy ch q’u for walking this path of discovery with courage and openness. It’s been an honour to walk beside you, and I look forward to the road ahead.

To Kim: Huy ch q’u for always supporting me and seeing the best in me, even when I couldn’t see it myself.

And to my late mother-in-law, Mary-Ellen: Huy ch q’u for your unwavering belief in me. I almost gave up, but you pushed me to keep going. I hope you can see the good work we’re doing now. We are sharing the work out into the world like you had asked. 

And finally, huy ch q’u to you, our community, for taking the time to hear my story and receive this work with open hearts.

With that, I’m honoured to share that Culturally Committed is launching my new self-paced learning program:Hiiye’yu | Be Friendly to EveryoneA program dedicated to the important work of building meaningful relationships between First Nations people and settlers.

Huy ch q’u,

Wholwolet’za | George Harris Jr.Culturally Committed Mentor

Huy ch q’u, George, for sharing your heart, your story, and your teachings with all of us.

Your words are a powerful reminder that the most meaningful work begins in relationship—with one another, with our histories, and with our responsibilities moving forward.

As Indigenous Peoples Day approaches, I invite you—especially those who are settlers—to pay attention to the invitations around you. Across these lands, Indigenous communities are generously opening their doors: to celebrate culture, language, and strength—and to be witnessed. Don’t miss the opportunity to show up. It’s in moments like these that real, lasting relationships begin.

🧡 Kim