Truth and Reconciliation: Cities and citizens

The fourth in a series of forums that Douglas College is hosting in partnership with SFU and the City of New Westminster. The goal of these forums is to provide an occasion for frank discussion on important issues facing urban and suburban communities, to both inform and learn from academics, practitioners, and citizens. Truth and Reconciliation is spoken about a lot, but what does it actually mean for cities and individual citizens? Learn some uncomfortable truths of New Westminster history, how the city is responding to Truth and Reconciliation, and why it’s the responsibility of all citizens to effect change. Welcome: Sarah Dench, Associate Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs (Douglas College) Dave Seaweed, Territorial Acknowledgement. (3:28) Moderator: Dr. Frank Cunningham, Emeritus Professor, Humanities and Social Sciences (University of Toronto); Associate Professor, Humanities and Social Sciences (SFU). (4:52) Panelists: Dr. Gail Edwards, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Douglas College). Dr. Edwards teaches in the History department at Douglas College and is a member of Douglas College’s Indigenous Studies Working Group. Her current research draws on the intersecting histories of children’s book publishing and public library services to explore the ways that Canadian children’s print culture in the post-war period reflected complex and conflicted ideas about the relationships between Indigenous peoples, nature, modernity, and national identity. (8:30) Rob McCullough, Manager, City of New Westminster’s Museums and Heritage Services. Rob’s interests lie in understanding the role that museums can play in promoting community development and helping to facilitate sustainable community renewal. His work focuses on generating awareness, pride, respect, and understanding amongst people around the shared histories and current issues in the places they live. Currently, Rob is working on reconciliation efforts for the city of New Westminster with a specific effort being placed on meaningful response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action. (25:22) Dave Seaweed, Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator (Douglas College). A member of the Douglas College Board and the recipient of the President’s Distinguished Service Award. (34:31) Q & A with panelists (43:50)