In the post 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) era of reconciliation, many Canadians are wondering what reconciliation might mean to their community. Among other injustices, Residential Schools and the “Sixties Scoop” particularly, generated many negative impacts on Indigenous families and communities, which continue to challenge their well-being today. However, much of Canada’s early history and relationship with Indigenous peoples is still hidden, and that secrecy is likely a serious barrier to reconciliation in Canada.
How to implement the TRC calls to action are now under consideration by most levels of Government. Should the truth of Canada’s shameful treatment of Indigenous Peoples for example be told as part of the K12 school and post-secondary curriculum? The speaker will shed light on these issues and as well, address Canada’s current dilemma of protest and blockades, which arguably are caused by, for far too long, having ignored Indigenous rights and their ability to decide what happens on their land.
Speaker: Don McIntyre
Don McIntyre is an Ojibway of the Wolf Clan from Timiskaming First Nation and is an award winning painter and carver working throughout his life in the traditional style of his territories, and more recently layering modern urban-life visions into his work. A lifetime academic, Don is currently completing his PhD in Laws looking at Legal Pluralism and the abilities of Indigenous Socio-Legal practices to enhance and improve Western legal paradigms. He received his LLB/JD and Master of Laws from UBC. Briefly working in the area of Corporate-Commercial Litigation for a large international law firm, Don went on to launch his own law corporation specializing in the areas of Aboriginal Law, Governance, Intellectual Property, Traditional Knowledge, and Art Law.
His passion for academics and creativity drew him away from his practice and naturally to teaching. Don has taught at colleges, universities and in First Nation communities in North America and around the world providing knowledge in the areas of Indigenous Art and Traditions, Social Innovation, Law and Society, Negotiations, and Treaty. He is presently Assistant Professor at the University of Lethbridge in the Dhillon Business School’s Indigenous Governance and Business Management Stream. He is a Fellow and Collaborator with WISIR (Waterloo Institute of Social Innovation and Research at the University of Waterloo) and faculty at the Haida Gwaii Institute.