By Emily Rafuse

Accessibility and Human Rights Intern, 4th year English Major

*As a settler, I cannot write this article without acknowledging the fact that I am writing this from a place of privilege. I am privileged to need to learn about the history of residential schools and truth and reconciliation rather than having experienced it myself or having had a family member experience any of it. If you are reading this as someone who is not Indigenous or First Nations, then so are you. *

For myself as a white settler, reconciliation means education - using opportunities to learn through the Juksutui, Nesutmalsewu’ti and Nike Acorn modules created by Acadia’s Elder-in-Residence, Dr. Joe Michael, Acadia’s Campus Auntie, Darlene Peters Copeland and Dr. Cynthia Alexander. Reading books like “Namawayut” by Chief Robert Joseph, “Indigenous Healing” by Rupert Ross, “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and more.

But that isn’t all it takes. Reading and learning need to be part of our action, part of our move towards reconciliation on Turtle Island, but we cannot stop there.

Language is part of it, recognizing the country and continent as Turtle Island, and recognizing that the name Canada is new and imposed and learning to move beyond it.

Recognizing September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is part of it. Recognizing that we all have a part to play in reconciliation and that this is not something we are doing for Indigenous communities across Turtle Island but something we are doing for everyone, Indigenous, settlers, and newcomers alike.

We ALL need reconciliation, and to do that, we need to be all in and we need to stand together for healing, and not just today but every day.

Here is a rundown of recent news following the declaration of a national emergency for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people:

In January 2023, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations convened a national roundtable with Indigenous leaders and partners and federal, provincial and territorial governments on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. (GOC 2023).

In May 2023, the government announced funding for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations in Quebec, broadening the capacity of six Quebec-based organizations. (GOC 2023)

In June 2023, CBC released a MMIWG2S inquiry report card, documenting which of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls calls have been addressed as of 2023. (CBC 2023).

The path forward is one of healing and joy, but first must come with recognition of the genocide done to Indigenous communities at the hands of white settlers. It is a path of learning and connecting with each other. We are not alone on this journey; we are here, and we are stronger together.