Sen. Murray Sinclair: How can Canadians work toward reconciliation

Summary

Senator Murray Sinclair reflects on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s impact two years after its final report. He discusses the importance of understanding residential schools as a form of cultural genocide, emphasizing the need for Canadians to engage in reconciliation. Sinclair critiques the government's progress on the TRC's 94 calls to action, expressing disappointment but stressing the role of individual action. He encourages people to read the report, identify actionable calls to action, and contribute to positive change for future generations. His message highlights that reconciliation is an ongoing, collective effort, crucial for a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Senator Murray Sinclair believes Canadians are more informed about residential schools but less motivated than when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) final report was released.
• 😀 The TRC was designed to give survivors and those involved in residential schools a platform to share their experiences and address the historical trauma caused by these institutions.
• 😀 Sinclair emphasized that the TRC's 94 calls to action were written with young Indigenous people in mind, aiming to provide tools for future change.
• 😀 Despite some criticisms and backlash, Sinclair firmly believes that reconciliation is inevitable, though the nature of that reconciliation—whether distant or cooperative—is up to the people involved.
• 😀 When asked about those who deny the impacts of residential schools, Sinclair suggests they speak directly to survivors to understand the depth of the harm caused.
• 😀 Sinclair defends his use of the term 'cultural genocide,' arguing that it accurately reflects the intent behind residential schools, which aimed to eliminate Indigenous cultures rather than simply kill Indigenous children.
• 😀 Only 10 of the 94 TRC calls to action have been completed within two years, which Sinclair finds surprising, though he acknowledges some progress.
• 😀 Sinclair criticizes the federal government for its lack of action on the TRC calls to action, though he sees some small signs of change in recent times.
• 😀 Sinclair urges individuals to engage with reconciliation by reading the TRC report, understanding its calls to action, and actively participating in efforts to implement those actions.
• 😀 He stresses that reconciliation is not passive; everyone is already engaged in it, whether they realize it or not, and it is up to each person to decide how they want to participate and make a difference.

Q & A

What was the primary goal of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?

The primary goal of the TRC was to give a platform to survivors of residential schools and those who had worked in them, to come together and address the harms caused by the schools, as well as the broader issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada.

How does Senator Murray Sinclair view Canadians' understanding of residential schools today compared to when the TRC report was released?

Senator Murray Sinclair believes that Canadians are better informed about residential schools today, but the challenge remains in whether people are more motivated to act than they were when the TRC report was released. Over time, the energy surrounding such events can wane.

How does Senator Sinclair explain the term 'cultural genocide' in relation to residential schools?

Senator Sinclair maintains that 'cultural genocide' is a form of genocide, as the goal of the residential schools was not to kill children physically, but to eliminate their culture. He emphasizes that the process of forcing children to abandon their culture was inherently harmful.

What is Senator Sinclair's response to those who believe residential schools didn't have a significant impact on Indigenous children?

Senator Sinclair suggests that the only way to understand the impact is to listen to the survivors and take their accounts seriously. He urges people to imagine the harm if their own children went through the same process of cultural indoctrination.

Why does Senator Sinclair believe reconciliation is inevitable?

Senator Sinclair argues that reconciliation is inevitable because there will always be a relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. The real question is what kind of relationship they want to have—one of distance or one based on understanding and cooperation.

How does Senator Sinclair feel about the government's progress on the TRC's calls to action?

Senator Sinclair expresses disappointment at the slow progress, with only ten of the 94 calls to action completed after two years. He feels the government has not performed well in fulfilling its obligations, but acknowledges there is some change beginning to take place.

What was the intention behind writing the 94 calls to action, according to Senator Sinclair?

Senator Sinclair states that the calls to action were written with young Indigenous people in mind, as a tool for those who wanted to drive change, especially considering that the government was unlikely to fully act on them at the time.

What advice does Senator Sinclair offer to those unsure about how to contribute to reconciliation?

Senator Sinclair advises that everyone is already involved in reconciliation, whether they realize it or not. He encourages people to educate themselves by reading the TRC report and the calls to action, then act on one or more of them to make a tangible difference.

How does Senator Sinclair suggest people engage in the process of reconciliation?

Senator Sinclair explains that reconciliation is not a passive activity but a participatory one. He encourages individuals to actively read and understand the TRC report, identify calls to action that resonate with them, and then take practical steps to contribute to reconciliation.

What makes Senator Sinclair hopeful for the future of reconciliation?

Senator Sinclair expresses hope because of the belief in future generations, particularly children. He believes that with a strong sense of obligation to improve the future for their children and grandchildren, positive change will continue to unfold.