30 September 2021 was the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation also known as “Orange Shirt Day,” and I would like to share some of my reflections. I must start by saying that as a non-Indigenous person, I feel uncomfortable writing about these issues, but the importance of discussing this topic is much greater than my feelings of discomfort, and so I write this as mindfully as I currently know how. I have worked on Indigenous files and with Indigenous people for over four years at the Department of Justice Canada and have had the pleasure of taking part in several unique learning opportunities, such as the Kairos Blanket Exercise and the Kumik Elder Lodge at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Despite this collection of experiences, I recognize that I still have a lot to learn, and unlearn.
On September 30, I attended Osgoode’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event, the highlight of which was the fireside chat with Justice Harry S. LaForme, a world-renowned expert in Aboriginal and Indigenous law. During the conversation, Lori Mishibinijima, Program Manager of Osgoode’s Indigenous Initiatives & Reconciliation, asked the question of what non-Indigenous people can do to facilitate reconciliation (I have paraphrased her question here, much to her displeasure). The response Justice LaForme gave is that we must recognize that we are all treaty people. At the time of contact, treaties mutually recognized a relationship of equality between settlers and Indigenous peoples. Justice LaForme suggests, “do as you would in a friendship.” You are a party to this Treaty, and as such, you have a fiduciary responsibility to work with Treaty holders in repairing this relationship.
While Justice LaForme addressed several meaningful and critical thinking points, the main take-away I would like to share from this conversation is that as non-Indigenous peoples, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, without demanding free emotional labour from Indigenous peoples. I had the honour of attending Osgoode’s annual Anishinaabe Law Camp over the weekend. During closing reflections, Mishibinijima shared that while this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was a day meant for Indigenous peoples to mourn and be with loved ones, many were burdened with the task of organizing events to educate non-Indigenous peoples and responding to inquiries about where to purchase orange shirts.
If you have not already, take some time to understand what reconciliation means to you. Talk about this with your friends and family. If you were not in attendance at Osgoode’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event, plan to be next year, but for now, ask around and see if anyone in your circle attended. If no one in your immediate group of friends took part in this or similar events, perhaps ask yourselves why? For those who have young ones at home, I encourage you to have these difficult conversations with your children.
In the beginning of this piece, I addressed that, as a non-Indigenous person, I feel uncomfortable writing about these issues. What helped me overcome this feeling of discomfort is understanding how difficult it is for Indigenous people to relive their suffering by having to educate non-Indigenous people, such as myself. How much strength it takes to overcome the sadness and rage of experiencing residential schools, murdered babies, intergenerational trauma, and having to reconcile with the very people who tried to strip you of your identity, your culture, your loved ones, your languages… How arduous it is to live through generations of painful experiences without being validated or feeling heard. This day is truly just the beginning. The beginning of healing and of peace. It is my hope that Indigenous people in the Osgoode community and beyond felt heard, believed, and loved. I encourage non-Indigenous people to accept the responsibility to educate themselves, reflect, and take action.