Ep. 091: Why You Should Read The Truth and Reconciliation Report

Guest: Jennifer Manuel, TRC Reading Challenge

Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions report. That is what Jennifer Manuel is challenging us all to do.

She says, "There's not enough engagement in our public discourse. There's not enough people actually participating in a dialogue about the relationship between First Nations and non-First Nations in our country, and I do not think that you can rightfully participate in that dialogue unless you first listen to the truth that First Nations people have expressed, which are contained in that commission report."

Reconciliation between First Nations and non-indigenous people is rapidly becoming the most important issue facing Canada. The rights of First Nations established in the courts means future development of all kinds in Canada can only happen with the active partnership and participation of First Nations communities. As Bill Gallagher, the author of Resource Rulers points out, “The good news is First Nations want to do business with the rest of the country.”

Manuel echoes the sentiment of Buffy Sainte Maire who says, “We can live in harmony if we understand one another’s journey and heal together.”