Indigenous History Pt. 3: Written by Jordan

Indigenous History: a 3-part blog series, written by Jordan. June is National Indigenous History Month; it is a time for teaching and learning while valuing and recognizing the contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. In this series, Jordan discusses his personal experiences, issues surrounding the residential school system and current topics.  

BEFORE YOU READ

Content Trigger Warning: The following blog series discusses themes of trauma including intergenerational trauma, physical and mental abuse and systemic racism which may be triggering. 

Part 3

Thank you for reading this far. Ok, with all of that said, what now? What is the remedy for this? How can we as Canadians make change happen?

I have been researching and looking at different posts, blogs, and news articles about the 215 lost souls at the Kamloops Residential School, and I have been quite upset with the comments left behind on some of these feeds. It pains me to see racist comments that can be quite relatable to colonial perspectives and individuals who seem to have no compassion in their hearts. As such, there are many allies to the cause and for change to start taking heed. However, one thing I would like to talk about is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), and I mean the name and what they did for advocacy, and what the intentions of the TRC are.

Truth; truth is that which is accurate or following fact or reality. In the context of residential schools, colonialism, the Missing and Murdered Women and Girls, and over-representation of the Indigenous population incarcerated and in the child welfare system, the truth is detailed in the records of the TRC. Also, with new information that has come forward from witnessing or experiencing the effects of these factors. Truth is taking everything shared, everything that has happened and accepting facts.

Now reconciliation is a hard one, not hard to comprehend as a definition but more implementation of what is being asked. It is upsetting that the TRC had to be created in the first place. Having to fight for recognition after all that has happened is a painful uphill battle, and all the perpetrators hiding the truth or denying it, "the question is, 'who knew what when?' the clear answer is: 'Everyone in authority at any point in the system's history, (Honderich, 2021). Yes, this is the past, but one very fact is that it has been an affliction of pain upon the Indigenous people.

So, how does one achieve reconciliation, and how can this issue come to some resolution? In my opinion, it should be done in a manner that could best appease those affected in the most culturally acceptable way. It should not be up to those who are accountable to decide the suitable approach to reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has created a 4,000-page report detailing the truth behind Indian Residential Schools and a mandate to inform all Canadians what happened in the schools. The TRC has developed 94 Calls to Action, which is a list of proposed actions to call on all levels of government to work together to repair the harm caused by residential schools and begin the process of reconciliation (University of Toronto, 2021). I believe the Commission was created because the government lacked the tenacity to develop a practical strategy. Some of the Calls to Action specify what steps the government should take to address complex issues. Since the creation and completion of the TRC, nothing, or little has been accomplished regarding what has been asked. It has been up to Indigenous people to keep fighting; allies are also essential to bring gravity around these issues to the government to make decisions more efficiently and rapidly. There are numerous ways to advocate or be an ally to the Indigenous people. One: taking what truth is out there and recognizing what privileges settler cultures have, or colonial practices have taken away. Two: being an ally also means taking all that information, challenging these colonial perspectives, and breaking down barriers that are a continuous burden on the Indigenous communities.

Now the opinions and views of all cannot be changed. It would be nice, but that is not realistic. But with awareness comes choice; it is good to reflect on this and see where you stand?

The knowledge passed down and what is currently being taught in school or conveyed in the media must be given accurately to the people. Growing up I never learned about any "dark histories"; people told us what the government wanted us to hear. I was told that "in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," and the native people and settlers traded furs, and everyone was having a good old time. On the flip side, perhaps we heard the stereotypes; "all Indians are a bunch of alcoholics," or “sponge off the government," and all the terrible condescending statements. However, if one were to look at the origination of these stereotypes, or why Indigenous people are discriminated against, or reasons leading to the outcry for equality, then maybe Canadians would have an awaking or get "woke." For too many years, people have stood idly by while these things are still happening in our country. This proud country that celebrated its diversity and endorsed its commitment to equity, inclusion, and mutual respect seems more uninviting and isolated for our people, who do not seem to be included in this message. It is time for things to change, which is easier said than done, but it begins here. Be an ally, fight for change, fight for the future of Canada; we are better than this! And it is up to us to take a stance and demand a remedy for this sickness; thank you.

References

Bora Laskin Law Library. (2021, June 7). Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Calls to action. https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/c.php?g=527189&p=3648130

Honderich, H. (2021, June 3). Why Canada is mourning the deaths of 215 children. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57325653

Support Resources

Indigenous youth and families that are struggling and in crisis with the recent events please know there is a number they can call for support at: IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) 24/7 Emergency Crisis line 1-800-721-0066 (https://www.irsss.ca/services/counselling) and the Calgary Aboriginal Friendship Centre also has their Elder’s phone line which is available M-F from 8-4pm: https://www.afccalgary.org/