The responsibility of youth

For all the youths and young adults that I have talked to, it seems that most of our knowledge of Canada’s history with indigenous issues depended on our school teachers. In my part of northeast Calgary, I guess it wasn’t a priority for them. I had a very limited awareness about our country’s residential schools and the impact on Canada’s Indigenous Peoples until I finished high school.

Perhaps it had not been taught in school, or perhaps I could not remember learning it because I didn’t feel like it had any impact on me. I’m not sure whether the lack of education on the topic, or the practically contagious apathy towards it, is more disconcerting.

Interaction between indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians was inevitable within the course of Canadian history, and eventually led to the creation of residential and day schools. Separating nearly entire generations of children from parents is not inconsequential. The traditional way of life and the lives of thousands of individuals and families have been profoundly and tragically impacted by these interactions.

The history of Indigenous Peoples is a part of every Canadian’s history. While it is easy to cling to the “comforting” fact that we played no direct role in the assimilation and isolation of Indigenous Peoples during the residential school era, we young people must acknowledge that we feel the unintended benefits of our nation’s history. The freedom many Canadians feel has been gained at the expense of others. It was as first nation communities were pushed from their land that we could claim it as our own.

“Why do young people need to be involved? Why us?” we may ask. I want very badly to write that within the church there is no more reason for young people to be involved in this process than anyone else. We are all equally called to work for peace and justice. The events that must be reconciled may even be fresher in the memories of those elders among us.

Yet it is so important for young adults to be involved. We are sometimes subtly, but always inevitably, becoming leaders of the church, government, families and our own communities. That is the significance of young people in seeking peace in this relationship. Real reconciliation—like that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is working towards—must work its way through entire populations and generations to truly be effec-tive. Peace does not happen overnight or without a struggle.

It is vital for younger people to know the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, to continue building bridges through listening, understanding, apologizing and moving forward together. Young adults also have the unique responsibility to pass on a message of peace, acceptance and love to the next generation.

Teachers cannot glance over a part of our history that affects so many Canadians so deeply and painfully. It is only when relationships are being built, and there is true cross-community connection and appreciation for each other, that the past of all Canadians can be reconciled, and the future can be hopeful and peaceful.

It is also important for us as young Mennonites to be present at TRC events, to listen, learn and accept responsibility for the hurt that has been caused because Mennonites were involved in the operation of residential schools in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Through listening to the stories and experiences of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, whose lives have been affected, we can develop new connections and relationships, and contribute to a united, peaceful future together.

David Zentner is from Calgary, where he attends Abbeydale Christian Fellowship. He is currently working as a summer intern at Mennonite Central Committee Alberta, leading a team of young people to South Africa in July. After spending two years at Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., he now studies education and biology at the University of Lethbridge, Alta.