Canada’s First People and Our New Young Canadians

I recently was part of a First Contact presentation at the Trudeau Centre of Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies at the Munk Centre at U of T.

First Contact is a 3-part film series produced by APTN (Aboriginal Peoples TV network) and promoted by HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) HIP is a partnership of Rotary and Indigenous Peoples focusing on education, awareness and relationship building. I have the fortune of being HIP’s Chair.

The series features six non-indigenous people who were chosen from 1000 applicants, who have stereotypical views of indigenous peoples. They visit a number of First Nations communities and locations across Canada.

At the onset their views include: Indigenous Peoples are lazy, are drunks, do not look after their homes and just receive government handouts.

The film depicts their reactions and comments as they meet the Indigenous peoples in the various locations. Not surprisingly, the reactions vary from person to person. Only one episode is shown.

The film is followed by a panel of Indigenous Peoples telling their stories which vary, depending on the panelists, but could include what it is like to grow up on a trap line, have siblings in residential schools and moving to an urban community. The session is then opened up to questions, answers and comments from the audience. I have been present at five of these showings and at each responses were different.

What was unique about this audience was all of the people (about 25) were young (18-25), and were either immigrants or born in Canada to newly arrived immigrants. My estimate is they came from about 15 different countries. All were students and there was an equal mix of male and females. They were shocked and surprised at the film, responses and stories but many could identify with the issues, and came away from the showing wanting to learn more, such as, “How can I see the remaining two episodes and do something about the situation?”

I had several take-aways including:

1) What an experience being present with so many smart young people with such diverse backgrounds, listening and talking openly about the issues. I am sure they all had a story themselves they could tell about their background and lives.

2) Isn’t it great that these newly arrived young people are interested and want to do something about reconciliation in their country Canada?

How fortunate we are to have this energy and concern and how lucky we are to be Canadian. I did wonder though, where were the young people whose families have been here for many generations. Are they not interested?

One very positive outcome from this event is further discussions are taking place with the students at the Trudeau Centre to discuss ways students can become more engaged, learn and do more about these issues.

Now, a question for you: Are you engaged in the reconciliation process and if not, do you want to become engaged? If so here are three things you can do:

1) Read something or have a brief conversation with someone every day about Indigenous peoples.

2) Send your email address to julie@eccgroup.ca and we will add you to the database for our newsletter. Have a look at our website: www.rotaryhip.com

3)View the series. Go to APTN First Contact: https://aptn.ca/firstcontact/ They have all three episodes.

Til next time.

http://https://aptn.ca/firstcontact/Chris Snyder