Watch it here: CBC News
Residential school denialism is a dangerous movement that seeks to distort the truth about Canada’s residential school system and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. But why is this happening, and why should it matter to you?
Get the facts and understand the stakes by watching this powerful video:
"Residential school denialism is growing in Canada, threatening meaningful reconciliation. Following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 Final Report and the Tk’emlúps te Secwe?pemc Nation's 2021 announcement about potential unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, denialism has gained traction among priests, pundits, and politicians. Denialists generally do not reject the existence of residential schools or their damaging effects but manipulate facts to undermine public trust in reconciliation efforts, defend those responsible, and preserve Canada's colonial framework. Denialism peaks during significant dates, such as the Kamloops announcement anniversary (May 27) and Orange Shirt Day (September 30), often with far-right media and conspiracy theorists spreading misinformation" (Carleton et al., 2024).
While residential school denialism is a uniquely Canadian issue, experts emphasize that it is deeply connected to broader global trends. These include the rise of far-right movements and
resistance to addressing the legacies of colonialism. Carmen Celestini, a lecturer at the University of Waterloo who studies far-right movements, notes that denialism has evolved over the past year, moving from fringe conspiracy circles to becoming a central talking point among white Christian nationalists. According to Celestini, these groups often frame discussions about residential schools as an attempt to "oppress white people and make white people feel guilt." She adds that denialism frequently stems from a sense of alienation, particularly among predominantly white men.
Adherents to this ideology often align with right-wing narratives that claim "woke" actors are attacking "white people's history." Celestini explains that their trusted sources include figures like Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan, who interpret world events through a lens of conspiracy, bias, or hate. This phenomenon is not limited to Canada; similar pushback has been observed in the United Kingdom and the United States, where efforts to confront colonial histories, slavery, and systemic racism have been met with resistance. As University of Manitoba professor Sean Carleton notes, these groups often defend colonialism as "humanitarian" and "benevolent," while employing racist rhetoric that undermines Indigenous authority. "Residential school denialism needs to be understood as part of this larger global movement," Carleton emphasizes.
In Canada, as public awareness of residential schools has grown, conservative voices have opposed efforts to remove statues or rename institutions linked to figures like John A. Macdonald and Egerton Ryerson, who played key roles in establishing the residential school system. This resistance highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile with Canada’s colonial past.
For a thorough and recent update on this issue, scan the QR code below to access the full article from Al Jazeera, which provides an in-depth exploration of residential school denialism and its global connections:
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"In the psychology of human behaviour, denialism is a person’s choice to deny reality as a way to avoid believing in a psychologically uncomfortable truth. In this case, it is a way to maintain the fundamentally oppressive nature of colonial dominance and oppression of Indigenous peoples and lands, and their exploitation. Michelle Good’s presentation focuses on the dynamics and politics of denialism as a continuation of colonial violence." --Michelle Good, 2024, November 14, First Nations House of Learning Event
Truth Before Reconciliation: How to Identify and Confront Residential School Denialism presented in UBC. by Dr. Sean Carleton, Michelle Good, and Andrew Martindale
Watch the video: Truth Before Reconciliation: How to Identify and Confront Residential School Denialism
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