September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honoring the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned, and the lasting impact on Indigenous communities. It’s a time to reflect, learn, and take steps toward reconciliation. But for many, the question remains: why should we, who didn’t create the treaties or run the residential schools, feel responsible for reconciling?

Understanding the Past: A Shared History

First, it’s essential to acknowledge that while we may not have been directly involved in the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, we are still part of a society shaped by those actions. The legacy of broken treaties, stolen land, and residential schools is not just a historical issue—it is a current reality for Indigenous communities. The effects of these policies have created systemic inequalities that persist today in areas like education, healthcare, employment, and access to land.

Even if we weren’t personally responsible for the actions of the past, we benefit from living on this land and are part of a nation that needs healing. By understanding this shared history, we can foster empathy and work to address the inequalities that have resulted from it.

Reconciliation: A Path to a More Equitable Society

Reconciliation isn’t about assigning guilt to the present generation; it’s about acknowledging the truth of what happened and working to repair the damage. It’s an ongoing process that involves not just the government, but every individual in Canada.

We reconcile because:

1. Acknowledge Ongoing Impacts: The effects of residential schools, forced displacement, and broken treaties are not relics of the past; they continue to impact Indigenous communities today. Families still grapple with the loss of culture, language, and identity.

2. Build a Better Future Together: Reconciliation offers an opportunity to build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. It’s about creating a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can live in a society that honors the rights, cultures, and histories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

3. Honor Treaty Obligations: Treaties were not just historical documents; they are living agreements. As inhabitants of this land, whether recent immigrants or descendants of settlers, we share the responsibility of upholding these treaties and ensuring that the rights of Indigenous peoples are respected.

4. Heal Collective Wounds: Reconciliation is a means of healing for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. For Indigenous communities, it acknowledges their suffering and creates space for cultural revival. For non-Indigenous Canadians, it allows for the unlearning of harmful stereotypes and builds a more inclusive, compassionate society.

How Can We Reconcile?

Reconciliation is more than just a single event; it’s a lifelong commitment to learning, understanding, and acting. Here are ways we can contribute to reconciliation:

1. Educate Ourselves: Read books, listen to Indigenous voices, and learn about the history and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action provide a starting point for what needs to be done at various levels of society.

2. Acknowledge Land and Treaties: Recognize that we live on land that has been cared for by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Acknowledge the specific treaty or traditional territory where you live.

3. Support Indigenous Communities: Attend cultural events, support Indigenous businesses, and advocate for policies that address inequalities in healthcare, education, and other areas affecting Indigenous peoples.

4. Engage in Conversations: Talk about reconciliation with family, friends, and colleagues. Encourage discussions that foster empathy and understanding rather than defensiveness.

5. Take Personal Responsibility: Even if we didn’t create the injustices of the past, we have a role in shaping a more equitable future. By actively participating in reconciliation, we contribute to a society that values the dignity and rights of all its members.

Final Thoughts

Reconciliation is not about blame; it’s about taking responsibility for the kind of society we want to build. We reconcile because it’s the right thing to do, because it honors the truths of our shared history, and because it leads to a future where everyone can thrive. By engaging in this process, we can help ensure that the tragedies of the past are not repeated and that Indigenous cultures and communities are celebrated and respected for generations to come.