A holiday alone won’t complete reconciliation

Ultimately we are all linked together on this planet, regardless of our backgrounds

When I attended university years ago, I took a course in Indigenous spirituality. I learned about the various beliefs and practices of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. One of my classmates was First Nations, and she helped to educate me by sharing her spiritual beliefs and the difficult issues affecting her culture. She asked me questions about my background in order to understand my perspective. We had interesting conversations and built a bridge between our backgrounds, recognizing and celebrating our differences. Active listening and respectful dialogue were the keys to the success of our exchanges. I had little knowledge of Indigenous issues; however, I was willing to learn and still, after many years, have so much more to discover.

What I learned from my classmate and the course at the time was the reverence that Indigenous Peoples have for the Earth. Hence, all life is tied together. Our class also examined the highly respected position that the Elders hold in communities. I discovered the richness of Indigenous cultures including languages and traditions. Our class studied the historical residential schools, and that was an eyeopening part of my education. It was shocking to learn that such practices of cultural genocide, along with the other atrocities that occurred, are a part of Canada’s history. The last residential school closed in Canada in 1996 — not that long ago. With talk of a new statutory holiday to mark the legacy of residential schools, I am met with mixed feelings. I understand the premise, and remembering is important; however, the route toward truly affecting change is what is paramount.

Recently, I saw a picture of a teepee on land near a large brick residential school, thereby parents could be close to their children. This historic image was heartbreaking. Also, I learned about the existence of the ’60s Scoop later in life. Although I was born in the mid-1960s, I had no idea that this occurred in Canada up until the 1980s. During this time, thousands of Indigenous children were removed from their families and put in foster homes or adopted. Statues can come down and a holiday instituted, but the core problems of Indigenous communities need to be addressed. Here is where differences can be made.

I saw a picture of a teepee near a large brick residential school, thereby parents could be close to their children. This historic image was heartbreaking.

The suicides of young people, as well as many other issues, exemplify the hopelessness of current situations in Indigenous communities. The missing and murdered, poor health care, deplorable living conditions and joblessness are some of the situations that need to be rectified. The sadness is indeed palpable. It will take much time to rebuild trust and relationships while seeking long overdue transformative answers to these complex issues.

The solutions include a focus on culturally sensitive teaching strategies, including adult education. A holiday recognizes that education makes lasting changes and aids in causing a ripple effect, extending to other issues.

After all, we are all ultimately linked together on this planet, regardless of our backgrounds, and have a profound responsibility to one another to act justly.

We need to move forward and effectively show honour through resultsoriented action.