sharing circles

Cultivating compassion and empathy in centres of colonial cultural power, Parallel Lines brings together: Canadians; First Nations people; Newcomers; refugees; former inmates; residential school survivors; abused women; insomniacs; recovering alcoholics; students; adults; seniors; dreamers, lovers and travellers of all genders and walks of life . . . to share stories and forge connections.

Together we also consider various symbols (bed, suitcase, frame, prison) from an artistic, emotional, social, psychological, spiritual and cultural perspective; and discuss physical and emotional imprisonment; alienation; sexism; appropriation; misappropriation; and systemic racism.

crisis counselling

Recognizing the importance of this statement from Chief Marcia Brown Martel, Beaverhouse First Nation — 

"I can tell you about my experiences in an hour but I might spend the rest of the month crying." 

— crisis counsellors and mental health counsellors are included in Workshops, Exhibition events and Sharing Circles. 

Canadian Mental Health Association, Cochrane Temiskaming Branch partnered with LeadingTone to assist at the exhibition at Museum of Northern History, 2018.

a catalyst

Over the years, Parallel Lines has evolved into a catalyst for intercultural community engagement and healing, a multi-faceted forum for expression and discussion; and a provocative look at alienation and imprisonment through personal and cultural expectations, and social imperatives.

Everyone has a story, a unique perspective.

As a mixed-race first-born-generation Canadian, I was spared the death camps; the forced exodus; and harrowing journeys of my ancestors — arriving with only the clothes on their backs.

I cannot know another's reality or see from their perspective. I don’t represent or presume to put myself in another's shoes.

What I can do is listen — open a door and invite a possibility for harmonious dialogue and the cultivation of unity in diversity. 

I believe reconciliation and healing may begin with a conversation where the intention is to listen and understand; to consider alternative perspectives; and to practice non-judgement and acceptance.

If you have participated in a workshop; or seen Parallel Lines; and/or are interested in joining an online Sharing Circle discussion group: 
contact Amanta