Engage for Change

September 2017

Narratives of ‘Response to Learning about Indigenous Residential School Systems’ in Canada

Narratives of ‘Response to Learning about Indigenous Residential School Systems’ in Canada

This blog post brings to light some of the common narratives that emerge when discussing reconciliation and Indigenous history with non-Indigenous Canadians. These ‘poems’ represent real examples of comments that have been made to the [Indigenous] author* over a series of six years. These comments have emerged in academic institutions, workshops, and casually in discussion.

For Indigenous peoples, these comments may bring up uncomfortable feelings and may act as a ‘trigger.’ Unfortunately, these are the types of comments that many Indigenous peoples hear regularly.

The Importance of 'Indigenous-led' - The Spirit of Collaboration

The Importance of 'Indigenous-led' - The Spirit of Collaboration

With the current narratives on reconciliation in Canada, there is an emphasis on ‘empowering Indigenous peoples,’ but what does that really mean? There have been countless initiatives, projects, workshops, symposiums, truth and reconciliation commissions by various organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and government - all dedicated to reconciliation… But, are they helping?