RECONCILIATION IN SASKATCHEWAN:

AN INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE

NORDIKA J. DUSSION

Reconciliation, as defined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, is about “establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country”. Reconciliation is a term that we hear and see frequently, especially with the continuous uprising of Indigenous voices and minority groups in Canada. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its Final Report. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with this Report. This Report outlines the long and dark history of how Canada was formed and the impacts it had on Indigenous peoples. The truth is, is that Canada was built on the oppression and destruction of Indigenous people, our culture, our language, and our governance structures. Acknowledging, understanding, and accepting this fact is the first step towards true reconciliation. The Report unearthed a painful truth, brought opportunity for learning, and gave 94 Calls to Action aimed at working towards reconciliation. For the legal profession, there are calls to ensure that lawyers receive cultural competency training and education of our history, as well as Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. The Law Society of Saskatchewan is taking steps to ensure that its members have resources available to them in many forms. The Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association has also taken significant steps in incorporating reconciliation in their programming, including seminars, blanket exercises, and reading materials for members. In addition, the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan has a mandatory class for first year students regarding Indigenous issues, as well as multiple upper year courses that students can choose to take. These are all steps in the right direction for our profession. We need to look at actionable reconciliation with a mindset of “where can we go from here” rather than blaming and shaming others for historical atrocities. The point of reconciliation is to establish a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and nonIndigenous peoples across Canada. We are all here to stay and we need to figure out how to work with one another so as to not repeat our history. I encourage everyone to educate themselves further on our history, what makes us all treaty people, and ways to be a good ally to your Indigenous colleagues and minority groups. Organizations such as The Office of The Treaty Commissioner, Reconciliation Regina, and Reconciliation Saskatoon all have readily available resources. In addition, if you want to have a better understanding about this important topic or if you have questions that you seek answers to, I encourage readers to have those difficult, and sometimes awkward, conversations with one another and with your Indigenous colleagues. Be mindful that you should try to educate yourself first then come to the conversation from a place of respect and a desire to learn. Do not be afraid to be vulnerable. Be humble. Build relationships. Work towards a better future for all. Be a part of true reconciliation.