Indigenous Communities Challenge Misrepresentation of Residential Schools

As Indigenous Peoples across Canada observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this week, they faced ongoing challenges posed by public figures questioning the accuracy of the historical accounts surrounding residential schools. This issue complicates reconciliation efforts, as community leaders emphasize the need for acknowledgment of past injustices.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established following a legal settlement between the federal government and residential school survivors, concluded that the primary objective of these institutions was to systematically erase Indigenous cultures. Between 1857 and 1996, approximately 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and placed in church-run, government-funded schools. Many were prohibited from speaking their native languages, and the schools were often sites of severe abuse. An estimated 6,000 children died within these institutions, though experts from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation believe the actual number could be significantly higher.

Recent Denials and Their Impact

The federal government designated September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021, following revelations from the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation about potential unmarked graves at a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia. In the lead-up to this year’s observance, several prominent figures made statements that downplayed or outright denied the historical accounts of residential schools.

Former British Columbia Conservative MLA Dallas Brodie, who was expelled from his party earlier this year for remarks about residential school survivors, shared a trailer for a controversial video titled “Making a Killing: Reconciliation, Genocide and Plunder in Canada.” Additionally, a staff member of the Conservative Party of British Columbia was dismissed after calling the Survivors’ flag a “disgrace” and a “fake” that perpetuates “untruths.”

Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada, also made headlines by declaring on social media that “no bodies were found” and labeling the term “genocide” in relation to residential schools a hoax. In response, Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, condemned Bernier’s comments in an open letter, describing them as lacking humility and respect.

The Assembly of First Nations has taken further action, referring Bernier’s statements to the RCMP as potential hate speech. The advocacy organization highlighted that Indigenous peoples have faced discrimination and hate speech since Canada’s inception.

Historical Context and Future Actions

Historian Sean Carleton has characterized the denial of residential school histories as a tactic to undermine survivor narratives and the broader reconciliation movement. “It’s a constant sowing of seeds of doubt in things that we don’t need to be doubtful about,” Carleton stated, stressing that the truth of these experiences has been well established.

In the last Parliament, Leah Gazan, a Member of Parliament, introduced a private member’s bill aimed at criminalizing the denial of residential school histories. The proposed legislation sought to impose a maximum penalty of two years in prison for anyone promoting hatred against Indigenous Peoples by downplaying or justifying the residential school system. Although the bill did not advance, Gazan is committed to pursuing this legislation, noting the harmful impact of denialism on survivors.

Former Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller underscored that a significant moment for public awareness of residential schools occurred in 2021. He observed that as non-Indigenous Canadians began to learn about this painful history, some individuals focused on inaccuracies in reports to dismiss the suffering that occurred within these institutions. “Atrocities did occur, and they occurred in much the way people have described them,” Miller remarked.

Survivors have shared harrowing accounts that highlight the realities of their experiences. One survivor recounted being asked to sit on a specific side during a conversation, revealing that she had been punished by a teacher and could not hear well from that ear. Another survivor expressed a fondness for playing the drum, stating it was one of the few moments he felt safe from abuse.

The ongoing dialogue surrounding the histories of residential schools is pivotal for reconciliation in Canada. As various stakeholders continue to address the challenges posed by denialism, the stories of survivors remain a crucial component of the collective understanding of this dark chapter in Canadian history. The path forward relies on honoring these narratives and ensuring that the truth is recognized and respected.