Why Reconciliation Matters

Today the Residential Schools have all been closed and much has been done to begin to repair the injuries caused to Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) Peoples. Healing services and government support have started to become available. Some of the church groups who ran the schools, and the Government of Canada who funded them, have offered apologies for the damage that was knowingly inflicted on so many of the children in their care. Some Survivors have received financial compensation as a result of settlement agreements, while others still fight to be heard. Although positive changes have begun, there is still much more to be done to repair the damage that so silently afflicted Indigenous Peoples for over seven generations. It will take ongoing healing measures to counter the effects of the pervasive abuse experienced at the hands of teachers, nuns, priests, administrators, and from those in positions of power who the children trusted. Today, many Indigenous Peoples continue to endure racist treatment against them and have difficulty healing while ongoing pain continues to be inflicted. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and understanding, we can also begin to address the injustices that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples through the many existing social and economic disparities from ongoing policies, laws, and unequal access to services and programs. We must each take responsibility to learn about Indigenous history so that we can be part of a solution that builds a country where everyone is treated with equality, dignity, and respect. 
 
 

 

Why is this issue important to all Canadians? Why should this dark chapter of Canada’s
history matter to those who didn’t attend Residential School?
 

IT MATTERS because it continues to negatively affect generations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis and their communities. Prior to the establishment of the Residential School System, Indigenous Nations were thriving and contributed greatly to the foundation of what is now Canada. Any Nation experiencing what these children and families went through for almost 200 years and who continue to experience discrimination, would be seeing the same social and economic impacts.

IT MATTERS because even though Residential Schools have closed, racism and discrimination continue in Canada within policies, programs, legislation, and in the overall treatment of Indigenous Peoples is unjust. Indigenous Peoples still live in poverty, don’t have access to clean running water, adequate housing, nor do they receive equal funding for education, and social, employment and health services.

IT MATTERS because it is happening here in a country we call our own—a land considered to be a world leader in democracy and human rights and where we promote principles of democracy, humanity and compassion as a country.

IT MATTERS because the Residential School System has caused mental, physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual harms to generations of Indigenous Peoples. This has caused PTSD, addictions, stress disorders, depression, suicide, homelessness, and difficulty coping in life. Any population experiencing these traumas would have had and continue to have similar issues.

IT MATTERS because Indigenous communities experience higher levels of poverty, illnesses, and lower of educational, health and social supports and services, compared to other people living in Canada and these conditions are continuing through inaction.

IT MATTERS because we share this land, and benefit from its resources and opportunities. We may not be responsible for what happened in the past, but we have all benefitted from what Indigenous Peoples have endured, and we can take action to end ongoing injustices.

What You Can Do

  • Ask a Teacher to include this topic in their classroom. The Legacy of Hope Foundation can provide materials to help educators teach youth about the impacts on generations from the Residential School System. Our resources range from K-12 and are available in English and French.
  • Spread the Word and talk about the impacts of the Residential School System on seven generations of Indigenous Peoples with your family, friends, and colleagues and dispel myths or stereotypes that are discriminating and speak out against racism whenever you see or hear it. Let people know they can get the facts from www.legacyofhope.ca.
  • Be an ally! Write a letter to elected officials (municipal, provincial, federal). Ask what they will do to support education, equality in programs and services to improve the lives of Indigenous Peoples. Demand action now!
  • Participate in an Indigenous event, borrow and host an exhibition from LHF in your school or workplace, or contact an Indigenous organization to partner with you and commit to creating a brighter future for generations to come.
  • Donate to an Indigenous charity like the LHF so we can produce more educational resources that raise awareness and promote respect among all people in Canada.

 

 

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