November 27, 2024 – TheNewswire - WINNIPEG  –  A groundbreaking book is set to spark fresh conversations about one of Canada’s most complex and pressing issues. Frontier Centre for Public Policy’s From Truth Comes Reconciliation: An Assessment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, edited by Rodney A. Clifton and Mark Dewolf, takes a bold and thought-provoking approach to Canada’s history with Indian Residential Schools and the path toward reconciliation.

Released by Sutherland House Books, this timely publication critiques the prevailing narrative of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report. While acknowledging the immense harm caused by residential schools, Clifton and Dewolf delve into lesser-known stories of educators who sought to provide Indigenous children with education and skills. Their goal is to present a fuller, more nuanced picture of the schools’ legacy and to encourage a deeper, more open dialogue on reconciliation.

“At a time when Canadians are critically examining their history, this book invites readers to reflect on both the pain and the complexities of the residential school system,” says Clifton. “Reconciliation requires confronting the whole truth – not just one side of the story.”

Key Themes and Talking Points

• Balanced Perspectives on Residential Schools: While addressing the lasting trauma inflicted by the residential school system, the book also includes stories of teachers with good intentions, aiming to educate and support Indigenous children. Clifton and Dewolf argue that understanding the full scope of this history is vital for genuine reconciliation. 

• Critical Analysis of the TRC Report: The editors challenge the notion that the TRC’s Report is a complete account of Canada’s residential school history. By examining gaps and omissions, they call for more inclusive and multifaceted narratives. 

• Personal Insight Meets Academic Rigor: Co-editor Mark Dewolf shares his lived experiences from his time at St. Paul’s Indian Residential School on the Blood Reserve. His perspective, combined with Clifton’s extensive background in Indigenous education, provides a powerful blend of personal and scholarly insight. 

From Truth Comes Reconciliation is more than just a book – it’s a call to action for Canadians. It urges readers to move beyond politically motivated narratives and engage in meaningful conversations that acknowledge all facets of history.

“This book is about fostering understanding, not division,” explains Dewolf. “By exploring the full picture – both the harm and the intentions – we hope to contribute to a path forward that truly honours reconciliation.”

About the Editors

• Rodney A. Clifton: A renowned academic with extensive experience in Indigenous education. 

• Mark Dewolf: A former teacher at St. Paul’s Indian Residential School, offering a unique perspective rooted in lived experience. 

For media inquiries, review copies, or interviews with the editors, please contact:
Matthew Lane
matthew.lane@fcpp.org