A professor at the University of Western Ontario is looking at whether the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) has true meaning and impact for Indigenous people.
Cody Groat, who teaches in the department’s of History and Indigenous Studies, weighed if the day is just a “surface level acknowledgement” from Canada, or if the day holds true meaning towards reconciliation.
Groat says he believes both can be true: he detailed how the work done with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation can provide opportunities for survivors, families of survivors and the public to remember the impacts from Residential Schools. He also says the day sees political figures and businesses recognizing the day, but falling short of working towards reconciliation.
In the future, he hopes that Canadians can continue to recognize the impacts from the Residential School System, but also that fundamental changes still need to be taken to acknowledge First Nations communities and the issues they face currently.
