A day of truth and reconciliation—if we choose it
In the USA, the second Monday in October is known in many cities as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.* Originally known as Columbus Day, many communities recognize the harm of celebrating the colonization of the early explorers. President Joe Biden declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021 with these words:
Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society. We also recommit to supporting a new, brighter future of promise and equity for Tribal Nations — a future grounded in Tribal sovereignty and respect for the human rights of Indigenous people in the Americas and around the world.
In 2021, Canada declared September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal holiday. The day began years before to recognize the students and survivors of Canadian Indian Residential and Day School systems.
I am a settler in K'jipuktuk (Halifax), in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people who have lived on this land for over 12,000 years. I grew up knowing of the Mi’kmaq, but they were always isolated from me, despite being a 30 minute drive away from the nearest reservation. I only recently learned that the community where I grew up was built on a Mi’kmaq hunting trail. That was the first I had ever heard of Mi’kmaq people living on the land where I played and my family worked.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are days of celebration and commemoration for Indigenous people. They are also, and perhaps most importantly, days for descendants of early settlers to learn about the history of our ancestors and their interactions with Indigenous peoples. For most of us, this is a painful history of theft and murder. On the other hand, some of our ancestors forged important relationships with Indigenous people that carry on today. For example, when the Acadians came to Nova Scotia, they were greeted by the Mi’kmaq and forged strong relationships. They fought side-by-side to defend the land from the English. When the Acadians were expelled from Nova Scotia by the English, some Acadians fled into the forests and were hidden by the Mi’kmaq.
These national days, and even this blog post, might make Indigenous people sound like one whole nation. They are not. Each Tribal nation and First Nation has its own unique culture, language, and history. Although these are national days, the work of learning is always local since each community is distinct. Here are some suggestions for learning and beginning to build respectful relationships.
Learn the history of the land on which you work, worship, play, study, and reside.
Learn about the culture of the local tribe or nation. Pay attention not just to the colonial history but also the resilience and celebration of a rich culture and important contributions to all human life today.
When the Indigenous community invites neighbors to join for feasts or pow-wows, go! Here is a post about my first experience at a pow-wow.
Support local Indigenous artists and industries. Avoid buying fashion items or goods with Indigenous designs unless you can attest to their origin.
Seek opportunities to invite elders to your school, religious community, or workplace.**
* In Canada, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a separate day from September 30. It is a celebration on June 21, marking the summer solstice.
** There are protocols for inviting elders to speak, including ceremony and payment. Research these protocols in your local area before calling on an elder.
