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Prof advocates for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Submitted on Thursday, December 03, 2020

Assistant Professor (Teaching Stream) Stacy Allison-Cassin, who is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, recently appeared before a Parliamentary Committee to express her support for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Speaking on behalf of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations, where she chairs the Indigenous Matters committee, Allison-Cassin described how she had seen her youngest daughter, who was attending remote school at the kitchen table, participate in Orange Shirt Day activities on September 30.

Stacy Allison-Cassin testifying before Parliamentary Committee Allison-Cassin heard the teacher read the children Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Story and then ask them for their thoughts about it. “The teacher led the group through some very difficult conversations,” Allison-Cassin told the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. “Stories are important for truth and understanding and conversations.”

To ensure that Canadians understand the truth about their country’s past means “learning facts, hearing stories and understanding the ongoing impacts of colonization, which will ultimately lead to reconciliation,” said Allison-Cassin. “As a librarian and educator, I recognize the importance of access to materials as well as the importance of infrastructure in the delivery of such materials.”

Students need access to both the internet and age-appropriate materials in the appropriate language, she said, adding that libraries are key hubs for sharing information.

“Libraries play a special role in ensuring people have the ability to learn about residential schools, Indian Act treaties, Indigenous art, literature, language and culture, and the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada,” she said. “Creating a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation would encourage and develop the support of programming , collection of materials and bring greater learning and awareness to the people of Canada.”

Watch Stacy Allison-Cassin’s full statement starting at 12:42:15

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