Kiizhewaatiziwin

On October 23 & 24, some 250 educators, community members and parents converged on Abbotsford Senior Secondary for the momentous occasion of Canada’s first National Conference on Character. The delegates came from various parts of our province and country, and brought with them a common interest in improving their understanding and application of character in their personal and professional lives.

The conference displayed an impressive lineup of thought leaders on the subject, a nice mix of local national and international leaders. It was a culmination of sorts for a growing movement in our community to improve our capacity to ‘live with character.’ The conference was kicked off by Wab Kinew, who spoke passionately and eloquently about leaders of character who have inspired him, and how character is deeply embedded in Aboriginal world views. He introduced us to the idea of ‘kiizhewaatiziniwin,’ which is the Anishinaabe word that captures the precepts of love, kindness, sharing, respect and humility. His was a perfect encapsulation of the ideals of the conference, that virtues are universal, and can serve as a tie that binds families, schools, communities and nations.

Dr. Avis Glaze and Peter Legge rounded out the list of impactful speakers, all of whom impressed upon the importance of living character rich lives.

My reflection and takeaway from the conference was that ideals such as love, kindness, respect, service and courage are critical to our future. Parents teach it to their children, teachers encourage it in their students, and we all depend on it to ensure healthy communities. The workshops and presentations reinforced that we must not just talk about character, but we must declare it, teach it, live it and celebrate it. If, as I believe, these universal values are among the things that bind our common humanity, then we must continue to keep it the forefront of our lives.

The conference itself was a powerful demonstration of service and leadership from Abbotsford’s Character Council. I would like to thank them you all for leading the way.
~ Kevin