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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Do we really understand reconciliation?

Jul 8, 2022 | 4:39 AM

THIS WAS A TOUGH COMMENTARY TO WRITE.

I have long been an advocate for minority rights, especially those of Indigenous peoples. I am supportive of almost all of their efforts to gain what is rightfully theirs.

I grew up in Terrace and Prince Rupert, in the territory of the Haida — Tsimpsean, as they were known then — along with various other Nations. In the summer, I worked for the Department of Indian Affairs, travelling from the Islands of Haida Gwaii to the country north of Prince George. It was hot work, but the upside of the job was being able to access some of the most beautiful country in the world and meet some of the finest people I have ever met.

I also saw things that would tear your heart out. Some of holes in the wall that were called reservations would make you sick. The Highway of Tears, which covers Highway 16 from Prince George to Prince Rupert, has been the scene of more than 100 deaths, abductions, rapes and other assaults. The RCMP could not possibly patrol that area.

The government provided relatively few resources to deal with the issues. The Truth and Reconciliation Report outlines a plan, but it’s expensive, and results won’t happen quickly.

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And the more I try to grasp the issues, the less I understand them. I don’t exactly know what we’re reconciling. Is it only about the residential schools? Surely things like medical care, clean drinking water, safety and support for those with medical issues need attention.

And what about reparations? Also important, but hard to resolve when every Nation has different goals.

Some want the Pope to apologize. Some now suggest the Queen should apologize. Everyone wants money but some want it paid to individuals and others to the Nation as a whole. So a lot of clarification is needed. Here’s what I do know. Cultural genocide was definitely a factor, as the white settlers wanted to take the “Indian” out of the Indian, that residential schools tried to accomplish the same thing, by literally holding students hostage, abusing them and lying to the parents about the fate of their children — many of whom died and were buried, with only minimal records kept of their existence.

That the Indian Act must be done away with and replaced is clear. That reparations are in order is, too — but the reparations must be quantified in some way. If the reparations include plans to look through the lens of the Indigenous peoples, and give them new hope, if the reparations include funds for healing centres and education centres, I’m all for that. I do not believe in cash payments to a band for payments to band members. I don’t think that helps solve anything.

I know this is sensitive. I know many will disagree with my view. But these conversations are necessary. They must be held with dignity and respect, and they must move us forward, not backward.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.