Why we must continue to learn about the legacy of Indian Residential Schools
Saturday concluded a three-day conference in Toronto on the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and the work of the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation commission. The conference was attended by Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, survivors of the residential schools, and hundreds of interested and concerned youth from all backgrounds.
From discussions since the end of the conference, and the notable lack of media coverage on this important national event, I feel a need to emphasize a point: yes, there continues to be a need for advocacy around residential schools. Although I expect the inevitable negative responses that will follow this article, I would like to argue that there is a need for events that spread awareness and provide opportunities for honest dialogue around this part of our history and the continuing issues that emanate from it.
Greater awareness about the atrocities committed in church and government run Residential Schools, the last of which did not shut down until 1996, is important for a number of reasons. Undeniable is the need to ensure that this type of blatant, embarrassing, horrific racism can never again occur. However, greater understanding is also necessary in order to recognize the legacy of this assimilation method and the obstacles that continue to exist preventing reconciliation throughout Canada.
As a non-Indigenous Canadian attending the conference, I felt humbled to be welcomed and accepted so warmly by Indigenous youth, leaders, survivors, and elders. I not only had the privilege to listen to their stories of pain and suffering, but was also inspired by their strength as a People. Many individuals spoke about their work cultivating knowledge of traditional cultures and languages in order to combat the inter-generational effects of the national policy that sought to control and assimilate a population by “killing the Indian in the child”.
Prior to attending the conference, I was skeptical about what substantive effects a Truth and Reconciliation commission could have in Canada. Discussions at the conference reinforced my belief that truth and apologies must only be promoted as a first step in the reconciliation process. However, I left the conference realizing that an acknowledgement of the historical wrongs committed against this segment of our population, as well as a better understanding of the historical context surrounding many contemporary Indigenous issues in Canada, are necessary in order to develop mutually-productive relationships in the future.
I now appreciate that change can only occur when we as Canadians are ready to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility and role to play in the process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. This will involve the engagement of both Indigenous, and non-Indigenous Peoples, as well as pro-active leadership by the media and national decision-makers. In this process, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission can only offer partial solutions. Nevertheless, its role in raising awareness about the reality and continued legacy of residential schools should be supported and applauded.
For more on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation commission, visit: www.trc.ca.
From discussions since the end of the conference, and the notable lack of media coverage on this important national event, I feel a need to emphasize a point: yes, there continues to be a need for advocacy around residential schools. Although I expect the inevitable negative responses that will follow this article, I would like to argue that there is a need for events that spread awareness and provide opportunities for honest dialogue around this part of our history and the continuing issues that emanate from it.
Greater awareness about the atrocities committed in church and government run Residential Schools, the last of which did not shut down until 1996, is important for a number of reasons. Undeniable is the need to ensure that this type of blatant, embarrassing, horrific racism can never again occur. However, greater understanding is also necessary in order to recognize the legacy of this assimilation method and the obstacles that continue to exist preventing reconciliation throughout Canada.
As a non-Indigenous Canadian attending the conference, I felt humbled to be welcomed and accepted so warmly by Indigenous youth, leaders, survivors, and elders. I not only had the privilege to listen to their stories of pain and suffering, but was also inspired by their strength as a People. Many individuals spoke about their work cultivating knowledge of traditional cultures and languages in order to combat the inter-generational effects of the national policy that sought to control and assimilate a population by “killing the Indian in the child”.
Prior to attending the conference, I was skeptical about what substantive effects a Truth and Reconciliation commission could have in Canada. Discussions at the conference reinforced my belief that truth and apologies must only be promoted as a first step in the reconciliation process. However, I left the conference realizing that an acknowledgement of the historical wrongs committed against this segment of our population, as well as a better understanding of the historical context surrounding many contemporary Indigenous issues in Canada, are necessary in order to develop mutually-productive relationships in the future.
I now appreciate that change can only occur when we as Canadians are ready to acknowledge that we all have a responsibility and role to play in the process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. This will involve the engagement of both Indigenous, and non-Indigenous Peoples, as well as pro-active leadership by the media and national decision-makers. In this process, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission can only offer partial solutions. Nevertheless, its role in raising awareness about the reality and continued legacy of residential schools should be supported and applauded.
For more on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation commission, visit: www.trc.ca.
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