The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) gives us a comprehensive account of how the Indian residential schools and their legacy affects the lives of our aboriginal fellow citizens. It raises many issues and helps to explain the gulf in well being between indigenous Canadians and the rest of us.The greatest question it poses is to what do we reconcile ourselves to now that we know the dimensions of the injury that has been suffered by our neighbours and friends. Do we continue as if nothing has happened? Do we take the view that the residential schools were a creation of another time and the dominant society is no longer responsible?
First Nations have a foundational role in Canada’s past and an essential one in its future. Yet, despite efforts, its relationship with the dominant society is not yet a productive and respectful one. Misunderstanding abounds and attitudes span the gamut of ignorance and apathy to overt racism.
Looked at through another lens, the TRC gives us a chance to put the relationship on a different footing. We can change the treatment of aboriginal Canadians that is unjust and reverse current policies and practices that are neither honest nor fair.
It is a journey we need to walk together where we can begin to explore and appreciate how all our lives will be enriched as our aboriginal brothers and sisters achieve their full potential. Together we can exorcise the ghosts from residential schools that continue to interfere in the lives of many aboriginal Canadians.
This is not an aboriginal or First Nations issue: It is a Canadian one. The initiative has to be taken by the dominant society. We cannot relegate our aboriginal sisters and brothers to the status of a mere lobby group. They are, arguably, the most essential members of the Canadian family. They are central to the development of Canada. The values of fairness, justice and inclusiveness that we espouse need to come to the fore. Our success in forging and maintain a respectful, appreciative and loving relationship between the original inhabitants of this country and the rest of us will be a bellwether of our wellbeing as a society visible in Canada and abroad.
I am heartened to learn that the Squamish Multifaith Association will be facilitating a dialogue on this at their Oct. 24 Unity in Diversity dinner starting at 6 p.m. at Totem Hall.
John Guilfoyle
Squamish
