They aren't Indigenous, but they live in First Nations and have a unique view on reconciliation

First Nations have a longstanding tradition of welcoming guests into their communities, with that hospitality deeply rooted in a culture of respect and sharing. 

Whether it's for work, love or travel, some guests end up staying for decades, or even a lifetime.

For these non-Indigenous people who have put down roots in First Nation communities in Ontario, reconciliation takes on a personal meaning.

Reconciliation is a process that aims to address the historic address the historical injustices and ongoing impacts of colonization, particularly the legacy of residential schools and systemic discrimination against Indigenous communities.

Three non-Indigenous people who have built a life in First Nations describe what reconciliation means to them on an individual level.

Originally from Quebec, Veilleux was working as an outpost nurse in different remote communities when she decided to permanently relocate to Peawanuck, a Cree community on the Winisk River in northern Ontario. 

"I just fell in love with the community, with the people," she said. "It became my safe place." 

She talks about how, almost a decade ago, a friend from the community brought her to Hudson's Bay.

"I remember standing there, looking around me, feeling so at peace, so happy." 

Veilleux ended up meeting someone and found work with the local band office. She's now Peawanuck's director of health and one of the only non-Indigenous people living in this community of about 250 people.

Veilleux said that at times, she feels the weight of history in her day-to-day life.

"I know for some people, they will see me and it might bring back trauma," she said. "I'm aware of that and it's not their fault… it's the reality." 

She believes she has a small part to play in reconciliation by using her experience to get more funding for the community.

She said she's noticed how some non-Indigenous people travelling through Peawanuck — especially ones doing assessments on behalf of the government — don't take the time to eat local foods, stay in local homes or travel out on the land during their stay.