I have chosen two artifacts for the analysis: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) as well as the presentation given by Chief Littlechild. The presentation by Chief Littlechild was part of the Global Indigenous rights lecture series and the TRC was available online for public viewing. Both the speech and the TRC touch upon what reconciliation is, its principles and how one may embody it. These two artifacts are related to my big idea as they both talk about the principles in creating healthy relationships between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples and principles in how non-Indigenous peoples can engage in these challenges in an ethical and most supportive way.
One aspect that is found in both the TRC and the presentation is the common theme of understanding and showing respect. They speak about a respect that is for all people and for those at all stages of their life. The TRC shows this as there is a large focus on education and the welfare of children. In addition, Chief Littlechild talks about how it was education that dismantled many Indigenous communities, yet education is the very same thing that will help to mend communities back together.
Furthermore, the understanding of the truth and the respect for the Indigenous peoples must be public. This is stated within the third principle within the TRC as well as in Chief Littlechild’s presentation. Chief Littlechild acknowledges how there are still many people who do not publically show a willingness to understand nor a respect Indigenous peoples. The artifacts are important to believe in not only because of the credibility that the pieces have from its creators, but also because we as humans should seek to understand the truth within everyone’s lived experiences. We all have realities and we must learn from them as this is the only way that we can build healthy relationships from those that were once destroyed.
The principle of being publically recognized for what has occurred in the past and the principle of respect shed light to how we should address not only the issues related to Indigenous populations, but all the issues of our world. We must learn to accept and respect the differences in others while finding ways that we can support one another in such a world that is so interconnected.