Dene Elder Paul Andrew says new immigrants to the N.W.T. are often shocked to hear about the history of colonization in Canada.
“When they hear about some of the treatments that Indigenous people have gone through since contact, I think they’re shocked and surprised and disappointed to some degree,” he said.
Andrew says there are now more opportunities for newcomers to learn about Indigenous history and culture, and the ongoing conversations about reconciliation, than there were in the past. Last weekend, Andrew was the guest of honour at the Voices for Peace conference, an annual event held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Yellowknife. The event brought together religious leaders, Indigenous leaders and community members to discuss regional challenges including climate change, addictions and homelessness.
Andrew said that along with more cross-culture discussion, he wants to see more initiatives that allow newcomers to experience Indigenous culture firsthand.
“The most important thing our elders always tell us is, ‘Don’t talk about hunting — go hunting,’” he said. “That’s the thing I think that we need to get into right now.”