How to Teach Your Child About Truth and Reconciliation Day
By Julie Diamond, OCT
This post will take about 4 minutes to read.
Canada has a rich and diverse history, but it is not without our painful chapters, particularly when it comes to the treatment of Indigenous peoples. Truth and Reconciliation have become crucial pillars in our nation's journey towards healing and unity.
As we gather for our second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Friday, we explore five meaningful ways you can engage in truth and reconciliation efforts in Canada with your child.
1. Educate Yourself
Understanding the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples is the first step towards reconciliation. Take the time to learn about the history of Indigenous communities, their cultures, and the impact of colonialism. Read books, watch documentaries, and seek out resources that provide accurate and respectful information. Listening to Indigenous voices and stories is essential to gaining a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives.
I recently discovered Unreserved with Rosanna Deerchild which is available on CBC.ca here. It’s a radio channel for Indigenous Peoples to share their stories.
If you prefer a website, this resource is helpful from the Indigenous Foundations at UBC to learn about the Residential School System.
UBC also offers a FREE 6-week course starting today (which I’ve enrolled in) called ‘Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education’ which you can sign up for here.
If you are looking to educate yourself with your younger child, these two books are great resources to start with:
The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad
Secret Path by Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire
2. Acknowledge the Past
Acknowledging the past involves recognizing the harms inflicted on Indigenous peoples through policies like the residential school system, the Indian Act, and the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. It also means acknowledging our own privilege as a non-Indigenous Canadian and understanding how systemic racism continues to affect Indigenous communities today.
3. Engage in Meaningful Conversations
Engaging in open and respectful dialogues with Indigenous individuals and communities is a powerful way to foster understanding and build bridges. Attend community events, cultural gatherings, and Indigenous-led workshops or discussions. Actively listen and seek to learn from Indigenous perspectives. It's important to approach these conversations with humility and a willingness to listen and learn.
I was in Carcross, Yukon last year and visited the Haa Shagóon Hídi (also known as the Carcross Learning Centre). There I had the privilege to speak to a person of the Tagish First Nations.
He shared with me about the excavations done in the surrounding area and the objects and tools they found from thousands of years ago. It was such an eye-opening and wonderful experience to meet him and learn about the rich culture and history.
It was a humbling experience because growing up in Southern Ontario, I haven’t really had the opportunity to learn about Indigenous Peoples history nor were we educated about it in public schools. So there was a lot I didn’t know and I was very eager to hear listen and learn.
Here is more information about the centre. There were many families there with children of all ages.
4. Support Indigenous-Led Initiatives
Show your support for Indigenous communities by actively engaging in and contributing to Indigenous-led initiatives. This can include buying Indigenous art and products, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, and attending Indigenous cultural events and ceremonies. By doing so, you help strengthen Indigenous communities economically and culturally, which is a crucial aspect of reconciliation.
Search for Indigenous-owned business here.
5. Advocate for Change
Advocacy plays a vital role in the reconciliation process. You can advocate for change by supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations that are working towards social, economic, and political justice. Join or support organizations that work to promote Indigenous rights, land sovereignty, and self-determination.
In conclusion, Truth and reconciliation in Canada require collective effort and a commitment to understanding, acknowledging, and addressing the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.
It's important that we educate our children and give them opportunities to learn about Indigenous Peoples’ history and culture, so we as Canadians learn from our past and build a shared future based on mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.