Indigenous, non-indigenous youth optimistic about reconciliation

Indigenous, non-indigenous youth optimistic about reconciliation

Max FineDay

By Ysh Cabana
The Philippine Reporter

Results of a recent survey showed 73 per cent of Indigenous youth and 68 per cent of non-Indigenous youth felt somewhat or very optimistic about reconciliation. It charted how there is a striking alignment between both populations of youth regarding their aspirations and views, with Indigenous youth more prominently prioritizing education as a key life goal.

An online survey provides a detailed snapshot of where Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth are in Canada today and how they view the future of reconciliation between their peoples. Findings show that youth in Canada as a whole are aware and engaged when it comes to the history of Indigenous-non-Indigenous relations.

The Canadian Youth Reconciliation Barometer survey was conducted by non-profit Environics Institute for Survey Research to measure youth perspectives on reconciliation. The poll was created in collaboration with youth-focused charity Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) and the Mastercard Foundation.

It polled 1,377 youth (ages 16 to 29) across Canada’s ten provinces and three territories through their attitudes, aspirations, priorities, and experiences.

Sampling was representative by region, community type, gender and Indigenous group (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), based on 2016 population statistics. The survey was conducted in English and French.

For CRE Executive Director Max FineDay the results should give Canada cautious optimism.

“It’s clear that we’re on the right path, but we still have a long way to go,” he said, noting that each generation has a different idea of what reconciliation should look like.

“Young people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, are learning about why this relationship is fractured, and are optimistic we can repair it.”

FineDay is nêhiyaw napew (Plains Cree) from the Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan. He also sits as one of the directors of the interim National Council for Reconciliation.

Active from 2008 to 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission aimed to bring to light the legacy of the residential school system and the intergenerational impacts on Indigenous communities and published its 94 Calls to Action — specific actions needed to advance reconciliation among former students, their families, their communities and all Canadians.