What do Jewish people and indigenous people have in common?

Thornhill synagogue Temple Kol Ami and its members hope to find out when it hosts an event called A Conversation about Jewish Responsibility to Canada’s indigenous peoples April 1.

The event is a panel discussion featuring three speakers who represent Canada’s indigenous population, in conversation with the Jewish community about shared values and responsibilities.

Every year, Temple Kol Ami brings in a speaker from a different faith community to explain their beliefs and way of life.

Many of Temple Kol Ami’s members are interested not only in learning about the experience of the indigenous Canadians, but also in building connections between the two communities, Rabbi Micah Streiffer said.

“The idea behind the panel discussion is to bring us together, allow us to learn from each other, and start to build those bridges,” Rabbi Streiffer said.

He pointed out that the present day is an important moment in Canada’s history.

“As we mark 150 years since Confederation, it is an opportunity explore the Canadian experience — its triumphs, its glories, and its darker sides,” Streiffer said.

His congregation is committed to Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, which includes seeking justice, Streiffer said.

“As a congregation, we plan to begin incorporating into our Shabbat services an announcement that acknowledges the native people and their land, as many organizations are beginning to do,” Streiffer said. "And we hope that this will be the beginning of a larger relationship between our congregation and the indigenous peoples of Canada.”