Is Reconciliation Possible? Residential Schools in Canada and Their Consequences

Description

On the occasion of the Canadian National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day, the NONAM dedicates an entire day to the topic of Residential Schools and the related questions of truth, responsibility, remembrance, and reconciliation. The Residential Schools have left deep and still palpable traces in the Indigenous communities of Canada. What does it mean to confront this history? What forms of remembrance and processing are possible? And how can reconciliation succeed? Program 1:00 PM «Kill the Indian, Save the Man» Guided tour in the collection exhibition with Dr. Nina Reuther The title refers to the destructive assimilation policy that shaped the operation of the Residential Schools. The tour explores their history, ideology, and consequences and asks how this past continues to influence us today. 2:00 PM Greeting Welcome by Jean-Paul Lemieux, Canadian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Film Screening: Sugarcane With the kind support of the Canadian Embassy English with English subtitles, 2024 ‧ Documentary ‧ 1h 47min The highly acclaimed documentary Sugarcane accompanies the exploration of the history of a Residential School and shows how personal memories, institutional responsibility, and the fight for justice are interconnected. Afterwards, there will be a cinema bar and a short break with refreshments 5:00–6:00 PM Online Talk with Lewis Cardinal The day concludes with a focus on exchange: The well-known Indigenous educator, activist, and mediator Lewis Cardinal (Sucker Creek Cree First Nation) dedicates himself to building and maintaining connections to overcome cultural boundaries. He speaks about Indigenous perspectives on remembrance and reconciliation and about the question of reconciliation. Together, we discuss what 'Truth and Reconciliation' can mean today and what responsibilities arise from it. The conversation will be conducted in English without translation. Moderation: Florian Gredig, Curator