Chancellor Murray Sinclair on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Summary

The Chancellor of Queen's University reflects on the importance of the new national holiday for Reconciliation, a key action from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The speech emphasizes the lack of awareness among Canadians about the country's history of residential schools and their impact on Indigenous communities. The Chancellor stresses the need for Canadians to confront this painful past and work toward mutual respect and reconciliation. He calls for ongoing efforts to foster a better relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, acknowledging that reconciliation may take generations but is essential for healing.

Takeaways

• 🛑 The national holiday for Reconciliation stems from one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
• 📜 Many Canadians were unaware of the existence of the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous children and families.
• 🏫 The residential schools forcibly removed children from their families, often against their will, to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture.
• ⚠️ Survivors of residential schools faced widespread disbelief and ignorance regarding the abuse they suffered in these institutions.
• 🇨🇦 The Truth and Reconciliation Commission helped Canadians understand this dark chapter of the nation's history, acknowledging its shameful aspects.
• 🌱 Reconciliation aims to create a hopeful future by fostering a respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.
• ⏳ Achieving true reconciliation will take time and effort, and requires both recognizing the truth and accepting the privileges that came at the expense of Indigenous communities.
• ❌ The public education system contributed to the spread of harmful myths, such as the belief in European superiority and Indigenous inferiority.
• 👶 Indigenous families continue to face systemic discrimination, including the unjust removal of children based on flawed assumptions.
• 🤝 Reconciliation demands a shift toward mutual respect and the rebuilding of Indigenous self-respect, even if full reconciliation takes generations to achieve.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the new national holiday for Reconciliation mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the new national holiday for Reconciliation is to acknowledge the historical injustices faced by Indigenous people, particularly the residential school system, and to foster hope for a better relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.

What was the role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was responsible for investigating the impact of the residential school system on Indigenous people and making recommendations to redress the legacy of these schools.

Why was there a lack of awareness among Canadians about the residential school system?

Many Canadians were not aware of the residential school system because it was not disclosed to them as part of the country's history, and the general public was not informed about the existence of these schools and the abuses that occurred within them.

What were the survivors of the residential schools trying to communicate to the public?

The survivors of the residential schools were trying to communicate the truth about the abuses they suffered and the impact of these schools on their lives and communities.

What impact did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have on public perception?

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission helped to change public perception by making people believe and understand that the abuses in the residential schools did happen and are part of Canada's history.

Why is it difficult to achieve reconciliation according to the speaker?

Achieving reconciliation is difficult because it requires not only understanding and accepting the truth about the past but also recognizing the benefits and privileges that came at the cost of Indigenous people, and realizing the magnitude of change that is needed.

What role did the public education system play in shaping attitudes towards Indigenous people?

The public education system contributed to negative attitudes by teaching myths of Indigenous inferiority and European superiority, and by portraying Indigenous people as obstacles to national progress rather than as rightful inhabitants of the land.

How did the residential school system affect the self-esteem of Indigenous individuals?

The residential school system affected the self-esteem of Indigenous individuals by instilling a sense of shame about their identity, making them feel inadequate and inferior, and leading them to believe that their struggles were due to their own faults.

What are some of the ongoing legacies of the residential school system mentioned in the script?

Some ongoing legacies of the residential school system include the removal of Indigenous children from their families, the perpetuation of myths about Indigenous inferiority and European superiority, and the undervaluing of Indigenous culture and history.

What is the importance of mutual respect in the process of reconciliation?

Mutual respect is crucial in the process of reconciliation because it involves acknowledging the harm done to Indigenous people, recognizing the value of their culture and history, and working towards a relationship that honors and respects both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives.

What is the significance of September 30th in the context of the script?

September 30th is significant as it is the day designated as the national holiday for Reconciliation, a day to reflect on the past, commit to better relationships, and ensure that the mistakes of the residential school system are not repeated.