“My work has shifted somewhat since the release of the TRC. Much of my focus now lies in the ‘T’... Not the ‘Truth’ in ‘Truth and Reconciliation’, but rather in the ‘T’ that precedes it, ‘Trust’”.
As Canadians, we are at a pivotal time in our history. The recommendations released by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada are an opportunity for us to reshape our country and we are already seeing progress among those who are willing to embrace and implement them.
We must support our educators who will be asked to share how our country acted towards, reacted to and significantly impacted our First People. Together, we must help them and share the responsibility of explaining our history to our youth.
Educators know the importance of literacy, especially for First Nation and Métis children, and now they also find themselves asking: What do we share? When is a child old enough to grasp the significance of these teachings? How do we tell this story? Are we even entitled to share these stories?
David Bouchard, Order of Canada Recipient, Metis author, educator and champion of Indigenous rights, is an engaging story teller with a passion for helping to shape a future of which all Canadians can be proud. David relates to both young and mature Canadians and understands that by acknowledging our past, we are better equipped to positively impact our future. His presentations for educators, parents and trustees teach that raising a child, particularly a literate child, takes a community. David’s presentations for students and educators demonstrate the way forward: healing, nurturing, and, above all... together in trust... together in literacy.