A Brief History of Reconciliation in Canada

Abstract

This article provides a roadmap of the process of reconciliation in Canada, beginning with the first articulation of the word in Canadian law, and carrying on through to the failure of the Meech Lake Accord, the Oka Crisis, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, and finally, Prime Minister’s promise to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 “Calls to Action”. The author argues that in order for reconciliation to be realized, the governments of Canada will need to recognize and affirm local Indigenous education laws, as it pertains to their right to govern themselves in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Notes

1 In Canada, the terms “Aboriginal” and “Indian” have roots in federal legislation, namely the Constitution Act, 1982 and Indian Act, respectively. Although both terms continue to be used in public discourse – only sometimes, and to a much lesser degree than ever before – I generally only apply the terms in the context of a quotation or in reference to the legislation itself. The term most Indigenous people accept in general parlance when not referring to their specific Indigenous nation – ie. Anishinaabe, Métis, or Inuit – is “Indigenous,” which is what I choose to use here as well as in my other writings.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leo Baskatawang

Leo Baskatawang is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. He is the author of Reclaiming Anishinaabe Law: Kinamaadiwin Inaakonigewin and The Treaty Right to Education, which is a soon to be published book with University of Manitoba Press. Dr. Baskatawang is also a decorated combat veteran of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom and is a well-known social activist. E-mail: [email protected]