52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing - Week 43
Week 43 – Talk to Your Kids About the Hard History from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing
As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day raise awareness of the history and lasting impacts of Indian Residential Schools, we need to be prepared for the difficult questions and conversations that may arise with our young people.
Robertson reminds us that meaningful conversations can help move us towards reconciliation, not away from it. After all, children will ultimately help lead us towards a more understanding and compassionate future.
A good place to start is with a personal check-in. What do you already know about the history of Indian Residential Schools and their ongoing impacts? Knowledge is powerful and helps prepare us for the tough questions.
Thankfully, there are more resources available than ever to help us learn and stay informed. Teach yourself so you can teach others.
When talking with children and youth about this history, keep a few important things in mind:
Use language they understand. Make sure your words are clear and appropriate for their age.
Consider their readiness. Think about their age, emotional maturity, and what they are ready to learn and discuss.
Be precise. Use accurate language and proper terminology when talking about Indian Residential Schools and their history.
Recognize the full scope of our history. Stop referring to Indian Residential Schools as simply a “black mark” on Canadian history. They were a significant part of our history, and their legacy continues to affect Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians.
Listen to Indigenous voices. When unmarked graves and burial sites at former residential schools came to public attention in 2021, they were not a new discovery for Indigenous communities. Many had long shared knowledge of these burial sites, but their voices had not been heard or taken seriously.
Remember, you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting alone. Introduce children to books that explore Indigenous history and experiences. Better yet, read together! Make time before and after reading to talk about the story and ask questions.
Robertson leaves us with an important reminder to carry forward: there can be no reconciliation without truth, and truth comes from stories. By listening, learning, and sharing these stories with the next generation, we can help create a path towards understanding, healing, and reconciliation.
Jennifer Aldous
Want to read last weeks post, you can do so here.