In honour of the National Truth and Reconciliation Day, the SCS Indigenous Relations Initiative team organized several activities during the month of September. The Indigenous Perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education panel discussion on September 30, 2024, focused on the ongoing impact of colonialism on Inuit communities, highlighting the importance of acknowledging this history and the role education plays in reconciliation. The tabling event, on September 24 and 26, 2024, provided a broader perspective, addressing the experiences and issues faced by all Indigenous communities and promoting awareness of their diverse cultures and histories. In case you missed these activities, here is a brief overview of our favorite moments.
Panel discussion: Indigenous Perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education
Natasha McDonald, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University, emphasized the importance of recognizing residential schools’ recent history and ongoing impact on Inuit communities. She shared personal insights, noting that many Inuit, including members of her own family, have experienced intergenerational trauma as a result of these schools. Natasha explained that her mother attended both a federal day school and a residential school, and the trauma from these experiences continues to affect their family. She stressed the need for culturally responsive practices in both education and healthcare to support healing and self-determination for Inuit people. Natasha also highlighted the critical role of language and cultural preservation in this process, advocating for educational systems that are decolonized and aligned with Inuit values and knowledge.
Alicia Aragutak, Certificate in Health Management program graduate, discussed the challenges Inuit youth face in accessing quality education. She pointed out that the education system in Nunavik is often two to three years behind the rest of Canada, creating significant barriers for Inuit students. Alicia explained that many Inuit students must leave their communities to pursue higher education, often encountering additional challenges such as language barriers and cultural dislocation. She called for equal opportunities and better support to ensure Inuit students can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Alicia also emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and supportive educational environments, where Inuit students can thrive without needing to leave their cultural context.
Veldon Coburn, PhD, Faculty Chair of Indigenous Relations Initiative (IRI) at SCS, highlighted the unique historical and contemporary challenges facing Inuit communities, such as dog slaughter and the high Arctic relocations. He explained that these events were part of broader colonial policies aimed at disrupting and controlling Inuit ways of life. Veldon emphasized the role of education in addressing these challenges and fostering reconciliation. He advocated for stronger partnerships between Inuit communities and post-secondary institutions to support Inuit students and build capacity for self-determination. Veldon also stressed the need for educational institutions to be more reflexive, adapting their policies and practices to better meet the needs of Inuit students. This would ensure that Inuit students are not forced to conform to colonial standards but are supported in maintaining their cultural identity and autonomy.
These messages reflect the panelists' insights on the importance of education, cultural responsiveness, and the need for systemic change to support Inuit communities. They reinforce SCS’ commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.
SCS Truth and Reconciliation Tabling Event
During the tabling event, SCS faculty and staff shared their thoughts, and we want to highlight a few key takeaways:
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What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?
- Healing and Acknowledgment: Recognizing past injustices, understanding history, and building bridges for a better future.
- Action and Responsibility: Taking concrete steps towards reconciliation, accountability, and making things right.
- Reflection and Participation: Reflecting on our past, listening, and working together to create inclusive solutions.
- Justice and Fairness: Ensuring justice and fairness for all, including reparations and returning land.
- Change and Turning Points: Embracing change and recognizing this as a pivotal moment for our society.
- Skepticism and Realism: Acknowledging the complexities and challenges in achieving true reconciliation.
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How do you think you could be a better ally to Indigenous Peoples?
- Listen with humility: Embrace reciprocity and respect Indigenous worldviews.
- Get informed and involved: Participate in Indigenous events and practices.
- Educate yourself and others: Learn about Indigenous history, culture, and current issues.
- Read and discuss: Share knowledge with children and family members.
- Explore Indigenous authors and musicians: Appreciate and promote their work.
- Learn an Indigenous language: Deepen your understanding and connection.
- Acknowledge history: Recognize the true history told by Indigenous Peoples.
- Support education: Advocate for mandatory Indigenous history in schools.
- Respect and raise awareness: Acknowledge the history and hardships Indigenous communities face.
- Get involved: Attend pow-wows and other community events.
- Promote Indigenous voices: Support Indigenous artists and leaders.
- Make connections: Build intentional relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
- Listen and learn: Approach with humility and a willingness to understand.
- Offer empathy and support: Offer support and adjust your thinking as needed.
- Spread the word: Share knowledge and advocate for Indigenous rights and recognition.