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Thesis Statement

Aditya Sehgal

Justice Institute of British Columbia

SOCI-1100: RECONCILING COLONIAL PRECTICES IN PUBLIC SAFETY

John Delorme

4 December 2023
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The Role of Language and Culture in Healing and Reconciliation: An In-Depth Analysis

of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) has played a pivotal role

in addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities, particularly those

arising from the residential school system. Among the numerous Calls to Action set forth by

the TRC, a notable emphasis is placed on the recognition of Aboriginal language rights and the

enactment of an Aboriginal Languages Act. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive

analysis of the role of language and culture in the healing and reconciliation process, with a

specific focus on the TRC's Call to Action regarding Aboriginal languages. The urgency of

federal recognition, the cultural importance embedded in language preservation, and the

multifaceted strategies proposed by the TRC, including funding allocation, community-led

initiatives, the appointment of an Aboriginal Languages Commissioner, establishment of

degree programs, and support for the reclamation of names changed by residential schools, will

be explored.

Historical Context and the Need for Reconciliation

To understand the significance of language and culture in the healing process, it is

essential to delve into the historical context that necessitates reconciliation. The residential

school system, with its assimilationist policies and cultural erasure, inflicted deep wounds on

Indigenous communities. The TRC emerged as a response to this painful history, aiming to

shed light on the truth, facilitate healing, and pave the way for reconciliation.
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The Cultural Importance of Language

Central to the TRC's vision of reconciliation is the acknowledgment of the cultural

importance of language. Language is not merely a means of communication but a repository

of cultural knowledge, identity, and heritage. The loss of Indigenous languages through the

residential school system represents a severe blow to the cultural fabric of Indigenous

communities. The TRC recognizes the restoration of language as a fundamental component of

healing, fostering cultural revival and resilience (Ucn, 2022).

The Urgency of Federal Recognition

The TRC's Call to Action emphasizes the urgency of federal recognition of Aboriginal

language rights through the enactment of an Aboriginal Languages Act. This legislative

initiative is seen as a critical step in acknowledging the historical wrongs committed against

Indigenous peoples and ensuring the protection and revitalization of their languages. The essay

will explore the implications of such recognition and its potential to contribute to a more just

and inclusive society (Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern

Affairs Canada, 2023).

Funding Allocation and Community-Led Initiatives

One of the key pillars of the TRC's recommendations is the provision of sufficient

funding for language preservation initiatives. The essay will scrutinize the importance of

financial support in empowering Indigenous communities to take the lead in language

revitalization efforts. Community-led initiatives, informed by local needs and cultural nuances,

are essential for the success and sustainability of language preservation endeavors.
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The Role of an Aboriginal Languages Commissioner

The establishment of an Aboriginal Languages Commissioner is proposed by the TRC

as a mechanism to oversee and advocate for the protection and revitalization of Indigenous

languages. This section of the essay will explore the potential functions and impact of such a

commissioner, discussing how this role can contribute to the implementation of effective

language policies and initiatives.

Degree Programs in Aboriginal Languages

To address the systemic challenges in language preservation, the TRC recommends the

establishment of degree programs in Aboriginal languages. This section will analyze the

significance of higher education in Indigenous languages, its role in creating language experts

and educators, and the potential impact on fostering intergenerational transmission of language

within Indigenous communities.

Support for the Reclamation of Names

The TRC's Call to Action also addresses the issue of names changed by residential

schools, advocating for support in the reclamation of original names. This section of the essay

will explore the cultural significance of names, the trauma associated with forced name

changes, and the potential healing that can be achieved through supporting individuals and

communities in reclaiming their original names.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, this essay has provided a comprehensive analysis of the TRC's Call to

Action concerning the role of language and culture in healing and reconciliation. From the

urgency of federal recognition and funding allocation to the establishment of an Aboriginal

Languages Commissioner, degree programs, and support for the reclamation of names, each

aspect contributes to a holistic approach towards rectifying historical injustices. As Canada

grapples with its colonial past, embracing the recommendations of the TRC becomes not only

a moral imperative but a pathway to a more inclusive and harmonious future. The restoration

of Indigenous languages stands as a cornerstone in this transformative journey, fostering

cultural resurgence and paving the way for genuine healing and reconciliation.
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References
Ucn. (2022, April 27). Article 6 - The Importance of Indigenous Language - University

College of the North. University College of the North.

https://www.ucn.ca/2022/04/article-6-the-importance-of-indigenous-

language/#:~:text=Not%20speaking%20our%20language%20will,agent%20of%20the

%20Aboriginal%20culture.

Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. (2023,

January 16). Language and culture. https://www.rcaanc-

cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524495846286/1557513199083

Michelin L. (2016). The colonial problems: An Indigenous perspective on crime and

injustice in Canada. University of Toronto Press

Cunneen C. (2006). Racism, discrimination and overrepresentation in the Criminal.

Justice System Current Issues in Criminal Justice, 17, 329–346