Talk:Residential Schools (Canada)

Selected article for our discussion

• Laing, M. (2013). An Analysis of Canada’sIndian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Undergraduate Transitional Justice Review. 4(1).

Some pointers for discussion:

Q1. Laing states that "[w]hile it is imperative that the truth about IRS is established and disseminated throughout the Canadian public, the fact that it is only the truth being established regarding residential schools allows Canadians to claim a certain brand of ignorance regarding the role they play in daily perpetuating systemic inequalities" (57). How does this critique inform the ways in which we approach our teaching and learning this September and beyond?

Q2. Reconciliation is a long and multi-faceted process. It is also often misconstrued by the government and Canadians. According to the article, what steps must occur to reach reconciliation in the Canadian context?

Q3. By suspending classes on Sept.18 to begin engaging with the Indian Residential School system as a university, a lot of transformative potential has been created on campus. What kinds of individual and institutional changes would you like to see? What changes have occurred so far? (Discuss previous and current initiatives.)