The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is in Vancouver, as part of its cross-Canada hearings on the history of Indian Residential Schools, to hear hundreds of former residents share their stories.
SFU archaeologist George Nicholas is keenly aware of how a legacy of abuse can create and intensify intellectual property issues surrounding cultural heritage. Nicholas leads IPinCH, an SFU-based global collective that is making strides in reconciling such issues with Canada’s First Nations people. He says: “Reconciliation has to be more than just saying “sorry.” Instead, it requires that we change how we do things. For me, that means ensuring that heritage research is done in fair and equitable ways, and that indigenous peoples are the primary beneficiaries of their heritage.”
George Nicholas, 778.782.5709, nicholas@sfu.ca
The following SFU experts are also available on a variety of truth-and-reconciliation-related themes:
Brenda Morrison, the director of SFU’s Centre for Restorative Justice in the School of Criminology, is also a reconciliation ambassador and a provincial advisory committee member for Reconciliation Canada. Morrison says the rich variety of events unfolding in recognition of reconciliation themes this week “is building awareness, understanding and healing here in Vancouver. We need to find justice for all nations, all people, in our homes, in our schools and in our communities. In the words of Chief Robert Joseph: “We need to find a way to belong to this time and place together.”
Brenda Morrison, 778.782.7627, 778.668.1827 (cell), brendam@sfu.ca
William Lindsay, a member of the Cree-Stoney Nations, is the director of SFU’sOffice for Aboriginal Peoples (OAP). He can discuss how the multi-level abuse suffered by those in the residential school system continues to affect them and their relations today. “Mine was the first generation in my family to go to public school,” reveals Lindsay, “but my generation still suffers.” In this video, Lindsay speaks at SFU Day for Reconciliation.
William Lindsay, 778.782.8924, 604.218.5479 (cell), wlindsay@sfu.ca
Mary-Ellen Kelm is SFU’s associate dean of Graduate Studies, Students and a Canada Research Chair in History, Medicine and Society in SFU’s History Department. She is at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s hearings today at the PNE. She can comment on the following: the role that settlers’ descendants can play in reconciliation; the health effects of residential schooling; and the historical precedents and policies that led to residential schooling.
Mary-Ellen Kelm, 778.238.3460 (cell, best number to reach her) 778.782.7299, kelm@sfu.ca
Mark Selman is the director of the Executive MBA (EMBA) in Aboriginal Business and Leadership program with SFU’s Beedie School of Business. He led the university’s effort to establish the program, a North American first, and understands issues related to First Nations involvement in large industrial projects. Selman can address the complex and layered nature of economic and community development in First Nations settings. “Most conventional solutions are targeted at specific problems, such as youth suicide, housing or addictions, whereas issues are typically holistic and not compartmentalized. Improved mental and emotional health drives economic progress, just as improvements in the economic circumstances of a First Nation group can reduce suicide rates. All of this is well established but largely ignored in practice.”
Mark Selman, selman@sfu.ca (best way to reach him), 778.782.5070
