Unraveling Canada's Past: A Journey Towards Reconciliation

A Hidden History Comes to Light in Powerful Documentary Screening

Imagine a Canada where the government's goal was to erase entire cultures from existence. This isn't dystopian fiction - it's our shared history. "For over a century, the central goals of Canada's Aboriginal policy were to eliminate Aboriginal governments, ignore Aboriginal rights, terminate the treaties, and through a process of assimilation, cause Aboriginal peoples to cease to exist as distinct legal, social, cultural, religious, and racial entities in Canada," reveals the documentary "They Came for the Children."

This stark reality forms the backdrop of a powerful journey through Canada's complex relationship with its Indigenous peoples. From the Doctrine of Discovery to the concept of "We are all treaty people," the film uncovers truths that challenge our understanding of what it means to be Canadian.

"Assimilation is... that policy of those colonizers who are essentially attempting to eradicate the indigenous identity," the film explains. This policy manifested most brutally in the residential school system, described as "cultural genocide" - a term that shocks many but accurately captures the devastating impact on Indigenous communities.

But the documentary doesn't stop at exposing past wrongs. It delves into the significance of treaties, presenting them not as relics of the past but as living agreements that shape our present and future. "Treaties have always been significant to indigenous peoples because it allows them to enter into relationship peace friendship and respect," one speaker emphasizes.

Perhaps most importantly, the film introduces the concept that "We are all treaty people" - a phrase that extends responsibility and belonging to every Canadian, including newcomers. This idea challenges us to reconsider our place in Canada's story and our role in the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

This journey through Canada's hidden history isn't just about the past - it's about understanding our present and shaping our future. It's about grappling with brutal truths and emerging with a more complete understanding of what it means to be Canadian.

Ready to embark on this eye-opening journey?

The London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) invites you to a video-sharing circle featuring this powerful documentary on August 15 at 2 PM. Following the screening, Mary Anne Kechego, a respected Indigenous elder, will lead a sharing circle - your chance to reflect, discuss, and deepen your understanding of these crucial issues.

Whether you're new to Canada or have lived here for generations, this event offers invaluable insights into our country's complex history and the ongoing path towards reconciliation. Take advantage of this opportunity to be part of a meaningful conversation that connects Canada's past to its present and future.

Register now to join this transformative sharing circle. Together, let's unravel Canada's past and weave a more inclusive future.