Indigenous youth in London, Ont., reflect on what truth and reconciliation means to them [Video]

Indigenous youth in London, Ont., say the word truth holds a double meaning for them as it evokes memories of intergenerational trauma caused by colonial systems, but also highlights the resilience of First Nations communities.

“Truth means acknowledging both sides of Indigenous history,” said Claudia Zavitz from the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, and a third-year Indigenous studies student at Western University.  

“There’s the colonial one that has been perpetuated through education institutes, as well as the genuine Indigenous history that recognizes traumatic parts of it, but also the resilience and beauty that has paired with it.”

Zavitz was among a group of students from Western’s Indigenous Students’ Association who participated in a water walk along the trails of Deshkan Ziibi — commonly known as the Thames River — starting from Elgin Hall to the Richmond Street bridge on Thursday.