A Framework for Cross-cultural Dialogue
The 4Rs Youth Movement centers on engaging diverse Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people in important conversations that in both process and content, aim to promote respect, reciprocity, reconciliation and relevance.
We support this work through delivery of experiential training and the hosting of 4Rs gatherings and workshops across the country.
There is an urgent need for critical conversations to uncover and explore the complex realities that Indigenous youth face, and why it is that they/we have inherited a fractured relationship with non-Indigenous people in Canada. These conversations need to be held within a supportive experience of learning that builds relationships and capacity among young people to come to know and find strength in themselves, their connections with one another, and the land so that they can continue making change in their communities.
Through many pathways and helping hands, the 4Rs Youth Movement has developed a detailed framework to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people in cross-cultural dialogue. Our work is grounded in the idea that in order to change relationships, people need to share an experience together in order to engage in conversation that in both process and content encourages respect, reciprocity, reconciliation, and relevance.
The Framework describes essential elements in this shared experience, within which such dialogue can take place. This kind of conversation involves bringing people together with significant differences, and grappling with the complexities of history and identity.
The Framework is represented visually as a garden which reminds us that growth takes time. It reminds us that all of this work takes place on Indigenous land. The 4Rs approach embraces the complexities involved in cross-cultural experiences and conversations; we understand that learning is a lifelong journey, as is the journey of building and changing relationships. It is with all of this in mind that we put great thought and care into how we approach this work.
The 4Rs framework for cross-cultural dialogue has been developed with the belief that young people need to share an experience together in order to speak and listen in spaces that are both safe and brave. Yet supporting and creating these spaces is complex and must be approached carefully. We have come to understand that some core principles and practices are crucial in building framework for dialogue:
The 4Rs framework is not a prescription, or a recipe; rather, it provides some key ingredients that together can support dialogue that moves us deeper into action. It is informed by what we are learning by convening and working with young people across the country.
Stay tuned as we continue to share what we’re learning from Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.
How We Got Here
In 2015 and 2016, we carefully and collaboratively explored building our Framework for Cross-Cultural Dialogue. Beginning with a consultation and strategizing session that involved young leaders and adult allies, the 4Rs Training and Events Subcommittee was formed with representatives from the national Steering Committee. This subcommittee has played a key role in the development and delivery of experiential trainings and the development of our Framework for Cross-Cultural Dialogue.
These prototype training experiences have informed what conversations we will be having in 2017, emphasizing participatory leadership and facilitation, Indigenous knowledge and methodologies, and holistic approaches to learning. This is all in support of creating meaningful experiences for young people that provides new skills, tools and insights to support reconciliation work in their communities.
Workshops and Gatherings
Youth-to-youth dialogue is a crucial building block of the 4Rs Youth Movement and will be used to expand our reach. 4Rs has been hosting workshops, speaking engagements, and other events across Canada to share our message with new audiences.
Are you a young person who wants to attend a 4Rs gathering? 4Rs is interested in collaborating with like-minded people, communities, organizations and institutions who share our values and have demonstrated a readiness to engage in this work.