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What does it mean to have an ‘Indigenous identity?’ The word ‘Indigenous’ is problematic as it implies that Indigenous cultures are homogenous. In fact, there are over 600 Indigenous communities across Canada and over 50 Indigenous language groups. Indigenous cultures have unique histories, which are grounded in the territories and lands where they originate. Culture and ‘worldview’ are imbedded in Indigenous languages and cultural practices.
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.
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?
Reconciliation is a personal journey for many of us. How we measure action and results will be based on our individual awareness and acts of caring and sharing that contribute to creating positive and progressive change. If you want to contribute to reconciliation take the time to educate yourself on the history of the original inhabitants of this land that Kingston is situated on. Learn about the Huron, the Anishinaabe and Haudenousaunee peoples and their ways of life.
Years ago, I asked my grandmother, a wise Mohawk woman why her beaded key chain she handcrafted had a missing bead in her beadwork? Her response, “I always leave a bead, or put an entirely different coloured bead in my beadwork to remind me that no matter how beautiful my work is, it is not perfect. It will never compare to the grand perfection of the natural world we live in. The world so many people forget to be a part of.” It wasn’t until after her passing that I begin to reflect on my time with my grandmother.
As part of our Engage for Change project, more than 200 grade 7 and 8 students are taking part in an inquiry-based, curricular project. The students are exploring the questions, stories and understandings behind the concept of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, with a focus on the legacy of residential schooling.
Reconciliation has many different dimensions because it can take on personal, group/organization, national and international meanings. For each role that you have in your life, there may be a different meaning and role for reconciliation. For example, if you are non-Indigenous, reconciliation may mean being a good ally; or, if you are Indigenous, it may mean healing and restitution for residential school experiences, day school experiences, or the Sixties Scoop.
Have you ever heard of the concept of ‘Seven Generations?’ This concept teaches us that our actions and decisions will affect seven generations after us. This teaching also challenges us to think beyond an individual level to make good decisions that will benefit seven generations. So, how does the concept of Seven Generations relate to reconciliation?
Reconciliation is a complex topic as there are several forms of reconciliation, depending on what needs to be reconciled. This is evident by the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada (2015), which highlights areas for reconciliation in several areas including (but not limited to), child welfare, education, language and culture, health, justice, government, churches, youth, museums, media, sports and business.
How important is the acknowledgement of land? Reconciliation includes acknowledgement of the traditional territories where Kingston is situated. Since time immemorial, the area now known as Kingston has maintained a rich history of Indigenous activity and settlement by the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.
