I was born and still live in Wendake. These lands, those who inhabit them and those who came before us have shaped who I am today.
Grandson of the late Grand Chief Émile Picard, I was elected Chief Delegate of the Council of the Huron-Wendat Nation in 1998. I have since worked for reconciliation as well as for the territorial recognition and our treaty rights by promoting a good understanding of our collective history and by forging links between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.
This work has always been important, but never has it been so essential.
In this regard, I must acknowledge the recent discovery of thousands of anonymous graves on the sites of former residential schools. It is also important to remember Joyce Echaquan and the prejudices she suffered which led to her death.
These events arouse a feeling of horror. For the Aboriginals, they reopen old wounds. We can no longer ignore the truth about the dark chapters of our past. We need to think seriously about our collective history and the harmful consequences of colonialism.
Governments long ago created policies and laws to dispossess indigenous peoples of their collective rights and land so that the first settlers could take possession of it.
These colonial policies made illegal any practice of the traditional Aboriginal way of life with the objective of assimilation. Towards the end of the XIXe century, we have gone from being partners of the Crown to infantilized subjects.
Although residential schools in Quebec opened their doors later than in the rest of the country (from 1937 to 1991), they were indeed created in an effort of forced assimilation. Children were torn from their families and placed in these schools under the aegis of the state and religious communities. At least two generations of alumni are still living today and dealing with the aftermath of this trauma. The repercussions are intergenerational and still manifest themselves in the form of discrimination and prejudice.
I have never been to an aboriginal residential school. I went to school on my reserve and then transitioned to public school when I was 11 years old. It was then that it became very clear to me that we were considered “different”. This difference was rooted in our traditions and our legends. For the first time, I could see us in each other’s eyes. We were stigmatized.
Reconciliation is everyone’s business
Indigenous peoples have been at the forefront of the truth and reconciliation movement for generations. Our courage and resilience have enabled us to mobilize governments and have our rights and titles recognized. However, all Quebecers are affected by the decisions of the first governments.
Reconciliation is a collective responsibility made up of individual actions that will return to the roots of our respectful relationship.
I have been a consultant for over 20 years, and I am encouraged to see business leaders making significant commitments to truth and reconciliation.
In particular, Telus has embarked on a multi-year journey aimed at integrating truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples into all of its spheres of activity. I have witnessed the actions of the company, which has deepened its discussions with leaders, Elders and Indigenous communities. Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Frameworks (such as the 231 Calls for Justice and the 94 Calls to Action), Telus implemented its first Reconciliation Action Plan.
We haven’t forgotten the land
In recent centuries much of our identity has been stolen from us, but in recent years the tide has turned.
Max Gros-Louis, Grand Chief of the Wendake First Nation for 33 years, has largely contributed to redefining the Aboriginal identity in Quebec by valuing our uniqueness and our diversity. He was one of the first leading figures in the reconciliation process, in particular because he opposed the 1969 White Paper, which aimed to reduce the identity of indigenous peoples to anonymity. By carrying our culture and traditions with conviction, Max Gros-Louis proudly represented ALL Indigenous peoples.
Through him and other leaders, Indigenous people today celebrate their differences, their similarities and their resilience. The fight for our survival and for the recognition of our lands unites us.
I do not believe that in my lifetime I will see my vision of reconciliation – the autonomy of Indigenous peoples for their lands, resources and programs – come to fruition. It will certainly take a whole century to make this change.
One thing is certain, however: our story must be told so that we can make peace with it in the future. Without striving for perfection, let’s work together to leave a legacy of compassion and hope for future generations.
* Luc Lainé graduated from Laval University in sociology and business law, he has worked actively to promote reconciliation and the indigenous cause for 30 years. He was the first Francophone to co-chair the Assembly of First Nations and was Chief of Staff to Grand Chief Max Gros-Louis. During his tenure as Chief Delegate of the Council of the Huron-Wendat Nation, he reformed the electoral and governance code which is now inspired by the traditions and history of his nation by granting a central role to the family.