HEADLINE – OUR GUEST SPEAKER

 
HEADLINE – OUR GUEST SPEAKER
By Bill Avery
 
Rotarian Steve Allan was called to the lectern to introduce our guest speaker Kathleen Mahoney.  In his introduction, Steve mentioned the highlights of Kathleen’s very impressive c.v.  It was clear from the beginning that Kathleen is most qualified to speak of the issues facing the improvement of Indigenous Programs and the Opportunities for Indigenous Children.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Following Steve’s Introduction Kathleen – a QC, spoke of the issues facing indigenous people and Canada’s societal responsibility for finding an appropriate balance for all people and offering equality to indigenous and non – indigenous people.
 
Kathleen told us that the Fathers of Confederation did not offer appropriate citizenship rights to the indigenous people.  No provision was made for protection of their languages and cultures in the British North American Act – only French and English.  The indigenous people were expected to assimilate into these two cultures.
 
Kathleen presented a detailed account of the history of what she calls the roadblock to reconciliation between Canada’s cultures.  In particular, Kathleen cited various facts regarding the Indian Residential School Policy, including:
 
  • Reshaping the Indians – through assimilation
  • Health of Indian Children – death in the schools.
  • Physical Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Native Children used for experiments
 
Kathleen told us that throughout the history of Canada finding equality has been
continuously challenged .  As late as 1963 Lester Pierson formally announced that only the British and French cultures in Canada would receive official recognition, and in 1989 the Supreme Court of Canada rejected the Equality Principal.
 
Kathleen concluded by stating she believes that today’s troubles – the division between indigenous and non – indigenous people must be resolved. 
 
To do so, Kathleen suggests a bold proposal – one that reflects on the story of origin  – one that creates a powerful narrative – one that implement official recognition together with the French and English cultures.
 
Kathleen believes that this might take generations to achieve, but it will reshape Canada in a most positive way.
 
Rotarian Roy Boetger thanked our speaker and reflected on the importance of her remarks.
 
 
Our speaker, Kathleen Mahoney