Truth and Reconciliation Reading Challenge

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) began work in 2010 and spent six years crossing the country, listening to the testimony of over 6,750 witnesses and taking part in nearly 900 events.  Most of these witnesses were survivors of the experience of living in the residential schools for Aboriginal children.  The purpose of the commission was to reveal the complex truth about the history of these schools and their legacy and to lay a foundation for reconciliation.  The Summary of the Final Report is 338 pages plus appendices which deal with the history, legacy, challenges of reconciliation and 94 Calls to Action. The Final Report emphasizes that “reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian one.” (vi)

In January, I decided to commit to reading this book during 2016.  I can’t keep blaming the school system for not educating me about this part of Canadian history now that this information has been brought into the light.  So imagine my delight when my daughter sent me a link for the  TRC Reading Challenge .  Set up by Canadian author and educator Jennifer Manuel of Duncan, BC, this project’s goal is to get 1000 people to pledge to read the TRC Report by June 21, 2016 which is Aboriginal Day in Canada. On that day the list of people pledging will be revealed on the website but there is no deadline for the actual reading.

Manuel states that “this is about listening deeply, which means that you are listening with the attitude that you are open to being changed by what you hear.”  She is hoping that this also sends a positive message to Aboriginal people that others are listening and willing to contribute to the improvement of the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.  On the website, she lists ways to access the Report by pdf, audio downloading, video and hard copies. The challenge also has a facebook page.

So far, I have read the Introduction and would like to share with you some of the quotes that represent the general thrust of the document.  You don’t have to take the pledge or read the whole book to get a sense of what it is saying.  Although, after reading some of these quotes you may find yourself wanting to read more.

                                                    TRC Commissioners unveiling the Final Report

 “To the Commission, reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country.  In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.” (p6)

“We are not there yet.  The relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples is not a mutually respectful one.  But, we believe we can get there, and we believe we can maintain it.  Our ambition is to show how we can do that.” (p7)

“Reconciliation must support Aboriginal peoples as they heal from the destructive legacies of colonization that have wreaked such havoc in their lives.  But it must do even more.  Reconciliation must inspire Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to transform Canadian society so that our children and grandchildren can live together in dignity, peace, and prosperity on these lands we now share.” (p8)

“Too many Canadians still do not know the history of Aboriginal people’s contributions to Canada, or understand that by virtue of the historical and modern Treaties negotiated by our government, we are all Treaty people.  History plays an important role in reconciliation to build for the future, Canadians must look to, and learn from the past.”(p8)

“The Reverend Stan McKay of the United Church, who is also a Survivor, believes that reconciliation can happen only when everyone accepts responsibility for healing in ways that foster respect.  He said,

          [There must be] a change in perspective about the way in which

          Aboriginal peoples would be engaged with Canadian society in

the quest for reconciliation… [We cannot] perpetuate the paternalistic concept that only Aboriginal peoples are in need

of healing… The perpetrators are wounded and marked by

history in ways that are different from the victims, but both groups require healing… How can a conversation about reconciliation take place if all involved do not adopt an attitude of humility and respect?… We all have stories to tell and in order to grow in tolerance and understanding we must listen to the stories of others.” (9)

“Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians from all walks of life spoke to us about the importance of reaching out to one another in ways that create hope for a better future.  Whether one is First Nations, Inuit, Metis, a descendant of European settlers, a member of a minority group that suffered historical discrimination in Canada, or a new Canadian, we all inherit both the benefits and obligations of Canada.  We are all Treaty people who share responsibility for taking action on reconciliation.” (12)

“As Elder Jim Dumont explained at the Traditional Knowledge Keepers Forum in June 2014, ‘in Ojibwe thinking, to speak the truth is to actually speak from the heart.’” (13)

“Another descendant of Survivors, Daniel Elliot, told the Commission,

          I think all Canadians need to stop and take a look and not look

          away.  Yeah, it`s embarrassing,, yeah, it`s an ugly part of our

history.  We don`t want to know about it.  What I want to see from the Commission is to rewrite the history books so that

other generations will understand and not go through the same

thing that we’re going through now, like it never happened.” (13)

“It is important that all Canadians understand how traditional First Nations, Inuit and Metis approaches to resolving conflict, repairing harm, and restoring relationships can inform the reconciliation process.” (p16)

“Elder Reg Crowshoe told the Commission that Indigenous peoples’ world views, oral history traditions, and practices have much to teach us about how to establish respectful relationships among peoples and with the land and all living things.  Learning how to live together in a good way happens through sharing stories and practising reconciliation in our everyday lives.” (p18)

“For non-Aboriginal Canadians who came to bear witness to Survivors’ life stories, the experience was powerful.  One woman said simply, ‘By listening to your story, my story can change.  By listening to your story, I can change.’” (p21)

“All Canadian children and youth deserve to know Canada`s honest history, including what happened in the residential schools, and to appreciate the rich history and knowledge of Indigenous nations who continue to make such a strong contribution to Canada, including our very name and collective identity as a country.  For Canadians from all walks of life, reconciliation offers a new way of living together.” (p21)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Volume One: Summary. Toronto: James Lorimer & Co.