On Friday, September 29, 2023 Spunt & Carin, along with Pinto and Judicia hosted Tom Dearhouse for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Mr. Dearhouse advised us of the history of oppression faced by Indigenous people in Canada, more specifically of the Kanyen’keha:ka people in Quebec. Mr. Dearhouse spoke of the history of abuse Indigenous people in Canada experienced in residential schools and told us about his own experience growing up as an Indigenous person in Montreal. When asked about the significance of Truth and Reconciliation Day, Mr. Dearhouse expressed that it is a way for the Indigenous Community to share the truth of the long-hidden history of abuse in residential schools in Canada. He also noted that Truth and Reconciliation Day provides an opportunity for the Canadian government to establish a respectful relationship with the Indigenous Community and reconcile the hurt that was caused. He acknowledged that Canada has made progress on informing Canadians about the abuse suffered in residential schools, but that there is much more work to be done. Mr. Dearhouse stated that a balanced approach is necessary to achieve reconciliation and that he personally finds it is best to “choose your battles” when it comes to fighting for improvement for Indigenous communities in Canada. Overall, the event with Mr. Dearhouse was very insightful. The Spunt & Carin team left the office with a greater understanding of the significance of Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Here are links for more information:
Link to donate to Indigenous Charities:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/explore/charities/category/indigenous-peoples/
