Equals and Partners
A Spiritual Journey Toward Reconciliation and Oneness, Wazin Îchinabi
by Patricia Verge

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Canada is poised to reconcile its centuries-long fraught history with Indigenous peoples and to establish justice. What fundamental spiritual principles should guide this challenging process and bring together peoples who have been separated for so long? In this part-memoir, part-scholarly work, Patricia Verge records her decades-long friendship with the Stoney Nakoda Nation in southern Alberta. She explores how her spiritual journey has been intimately entwined with service among Indigenous people and confronts her own ignorance of the true history of Canada, taking for her guidance this quote from the writings of the Bahá’í Faith: “a massive dose of truth must be administered to heal.” An engaging and timely work, Equals and Partners is ultimately a story of love and commitment to the principle of the oneness of humanity.

patriciaverge.ca

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“Pat is an excellent writer who takes care to be as accurate as possible, especially when the topic is on First Nations. She is careful not to infuse her own biases into her stories but rather checks with other First Nations to make sure she has it right. I like that in this present book.” Tina Fox, Stoney Nakoda First Nation Elder. “This memoir was not only heart touching, it was also knowledgeable and inspirational.” Tyson Bearspaw, Stoney Nakoda. “Patricia Verge successfully reflects the current trend in reconciliation towards interconnectedness in a time when the world needs it most. What a spectacular read!!” Chantilly Carlston, Nakoda Sioux/Navajo. “I loved how you wrote it as a story (yours!) It had me laughing, pondering, and crying in some parts and I felt its truth, that of a woman’s life towards the ultimate Truth. I love your gentle approach and this is a common thread throughout.” Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, traditional Storyteller/ textile artist, writer/poet and Indigenous Arts consultant, from the Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation of Mayo, in northeast Yukon. “I always really have treasured Pat as my friend and I honor her. It’s a friendship that is hard to explain. I value the admiration she has for us as Indigenous people and her tireless work with us.” Beverley Knowlton, Piikani Nation, southern Alberta. “Patricia Verge has provided a wonderful gift to Canadians eager to explore and understand how they can and must contribute to the work of decolonization and reconciliation. Equals and Partners provides a crucial window into how listening, learning, and acting based on recognition, and respect, and with love, are vital to creating conditions of justice and equality. Importantly, the book never purports to speak for or on behalf of the Indigenous peoples and voices who are and must be in the forefront of determining the paths of real change that are needed. Rather, the book demonstrates the spirit of humility and service that is needed to truly hear those voices, and act in response. Equals and Partners holds lessons for us all.” Dr. Roshan Danesh, President, Education for Peace Canada.

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Patricia Verge is a writer and editor who lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. She is the co-author, with Evelyn Loft Watts, of Return to Tyendinaga: The Story of Jim and Melba Loft, Bahá'í Pioneers, and the author of Angus: From the Heart, both stories of the history of Indigenous people and the Bahá'í Faith.

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Contributors

Author

Patricia Verge

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