Pathways to Indigenous health - Truth before reconciliation: How to identify and confront residential school denialism

Webinar description

This first webinar of the Pathways to Indigenous health series explores what denialism is and how it undermines efforts to decolonize Canada’s healthcare system. Dr. Sean Carlton, Assistant Professor of History and Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba, examines how a speech delivered by Canadian Senator Lynn Beyak in 2017 uses residential school denialism as a strategy to legitimize settler privilege and defend anti-Indigenous racism. He proposes practical strategies to address and confront denialism and advance health equity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada.

Series description

Pathways to Indigenous health is a series of webinars hosted by Dr. Daniel Sims, NCCIH Academic Co-Lead. Between September 2023 and April 2024, Dr. Sims and his guests will explore a variety of topics related to the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. The series intends to strengthen the links between knowledge, policy, and practice, by supporting the educational journeys of healthcare workers, public health audiences, and beyond.

Learning objectives

• Define and recognize denialism in relation to colonization, with an emphasis on Canada’s Indian Residential School System (1883-1996).
• Understand residential school denialism as part of a strategy to legitimize and defend colonization and undermine truth and reconciliation efforts.
• Explore practical strategies for identifying and addressing denialism to support decolonization efforts in Canada’s healthcare system.

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