The Spiritual Journey Within

The recent publication of The Spiritual Journey Within the Four Directions of Reconciliation is another example of what reconciliation looks like when we work together. Podlubny, working along side Cree artist Sam Bighetty, created a book that allows the reader to go on the same journey that he did. Podlubny reveals 18 short stories that impacted his beliefs and guided him through the fears and mis-understanding that needed to be faced during his own personal journey of decolonization and reconciliation.Illustrated by Cree Artist Sam Bighetty. His black and white drawings capture the spiritual nature of the stories and lead us further down the inward path. Taking us to explore places that might seem magical or unreal and to question our beliefs to see the truth in our experiences.“Calgary Arts Development is proud to have Sam Bighetty and Joey Podlubny as one of our 2019 applicants to our 1st annual Original Peoples Investment Program. Their project, The Spiritual Journey Within The Four Directions of Reconciliation, is a true story of reconciliation and highlights the beautiful illustrations of Cree artist, Sam Bighetty. The friendship and creative collaboration between Joey and Sam is truly inspiring.”- Sable Sweetgrass In this day and age of reconciliation with First Nations people, how do we understand the path forward? The polarization of ideas and perceptions are continuing to create friction and mis-understanding. Author Joey Podlubny has been working for over 12 years on discovering how to create the relationship that the Treaties originally intended. A partnership based upon The Four Directions of Reconciliation: Knowledge, Solution, Agreement, and ConsultationIt is without a doubt that this journey of reconciliation is personal for everyone. There is no template or manual to follow. There is no right or wrong way. It is based upon our understanding of each other, based upon our experiences with each other, and based upon the actions we take.These books help reveal some of the missing pieces. They help the reader gain a more balanced perspective about our colonialist past and understand our treaty partners. These books reveal the hardship that we need to face in order to overcome our past. These books help guide your heart, your mind and your spirit to a place that reveals your own understanding of who you are, and who our treaty partners are.Podlubny’s first book held a dialogue with Elders and Leaders from many different First Nations in Canada. Hetravelled hundreds of thousands of kilometers, onto reserves, and into First Nations communities to learn howto live a way a life that did not include a colonialist future. It is about the respect, care, and love that is needed tohelp direct us in a way that we see each other as humans beings and partners on this journey.The first book provided context around the United Nations Declaration on The Rights of Indigenous People(UNDRIP) Where it displays all 46 articles next to images of First Nations in Canada, either exercising theirrights or fighting for them to be recognized, so we as Canadians can see how far we have to go honour theagreements we live under. The first book also helps fulfill 13 of the 94 Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to actionsby disseminating UNDRIP and providing historical and current context of First Nations way of life. Its intentionis to fulfill the educational components of the calls to action.“The personal journey you share with the reader as well as your fulfillment of the Calls to Action are importantexamples of healing and reconciliation. The touching stories, elders’ words, and the striking pictures give thereader a unique insight into some of the fundamental issues faced by Indigenous People and certainly fulfill theeducational purposes behind your work.”- Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., MP. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Canada 3