52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing - Week 14

Week 14 - Volunteer Your Time
from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing

Robertson begins this chapter by reflecting on the phrase “Indian Time,” a stereotype sometimes used to suggest that Indigenous people are habitually late. Like many stereotypes, he notes, the phrase is both inaccurate and harmful. It reduces complex cultures and ways of life to a dismissive caricature. In his own experience, he once overheard coworkers use the phrase to explain why he was returning late from lunch—when the real reason was simply that he had been caught up in a great game of basketball.

Beyond challenging the stereotype, Robertson uses this moment to reflect on how different cultures sometimes understand time differently. In many urban settings, time is tightly structured around schedules and work hours. In traditional Indigenous communities, time has often been shaped more by relationships, responsibilities, and the rhythms of the land. Neither approach means that time is less valuable. In fact, time is precious precisely because it is limited.

That insight leads to Robertson’s invitation for the week: consider offering some of your time through volunteer work with Indigenous organizations or events. Many community groups do meaningful work but operate with limited resources and rely on volunteers to make programs, gatherings, and cultural events possible.

Volunteering can take many forms. It might mean helping at a local festival, supporting a community event, assisting an organization that serves Indigenous youth, or lending your particular skills in whatever way might be useful. Robertson emphasizes that reconciliation is not a one-size-fits-all effort. Each person contributes differently based on their interests, abilities, and capacity.

What matters most is the willingness to participate. Time is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer, because it is something we could easily spend elsewhere. Choosing to share that time in support of Indigenous-led initiatives can be a meaningful way to build relationships and contribute to the broader work of reconciliation.

What Indigenous organizations, events, or community initiatives in your area might welcome your time and gifts as a volunteer?

Want to read last weeks post, you can do so here.