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Time to add public education to reconciliation process, Alberta professor says

Click to play video: 'Southern Alberta professor says education ‘not a secret’ to reconciliation'
Southern Alberta professor says education ‘not a secret’ to reconciliation
A University of Lethbridge professor believes education will help achieve reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As Erik Bay reports, Don McIntyre feels people should be taught the truth about Indigenous history in Canada – May 17, 2021

Don McIntyre, an assistant professor at the University of Lethbridge, believes enough time has passed since public education surrounding the treatment of Indigenous peoples was first suggested as a step towards reconciliation.

“It is not a secret. It should not be a secret,” said McIntyre.

Click to play video: 'Cree Elder who reviewed Alberta’s new K-6 curriculum says she can’t endorse it'
Cree Elder who reviewed Alberta’s new K-6 curriculum says she can’t endorse it

Alberta’s proposed K-6 curriculum has sparked some concerns. One area of criticism is its handling of Indigenous history, specifically treaties and residential schools not taught until the higher grades.

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McIntyre says every person in Canada should be taught the truth and it should be happening in schools now, using the seven sacred teachings.

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“Do it honestly, with respect. Do it lovingly, courageously. Do it humbly and do it wisely.”

McIntyre adds there is one step everyone can take when it comes to reconciliation.

“Do it in a mirror, because that is the true face of reconciliation, if we all look in the mirror and tell ourselves how to do it,” McIntyre said.

The UCP government says it will continue to work with educators and other stakeholders to gather feedback to make the best curriculum possible.

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