The Reconciliation Education for Cultural Harmony (REACH) Association creates connections between children across Canada from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through writing traditional letters.
In our six-month pilot project, 40 primary school students from Toronto exchanged letters, photos, artwork, and even recipes with their pen pals from Mary's Harbour and Cape Saint George, two remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through these exchanges, the children learnt about traditions, heritage, the importance of family, and the land we all share. They also had the opportunity to make traditional raisin bun cookies, guided by a southern Inuit NunatuKavut elder, and listened to stories from the past during a virtual event.

These interactions not only built friendships but also enhanced the children’s capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect—directly aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 63.

The children's eagerness to participate in the REACH Pen Pal Program was truly remarkable. Students of all learning styles were equally engaged and enthusiastic and they expressed countless kind thoughts, questions fueled by curiosity and their desire to continue writing letters throughout the summer holidays.

With support from the Awesome Foundation, we will be able to expand the REACH Pen Pal Program for Cultural Harmony to reach more children in Toronto during the 2024-2025 school year.