A de/colonizing theory of truth and reconciliation education

Abstract

The author suggests that educators’ responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada cannot be reduced or reducible to practice without also considering the theories that are enfolded into reconciliatory initiatives and actions. She is guided by the central questions: How do I understand prevailing constructions of reconciliation in circulation? and How might I theorize a philosophy of truth and reconciliation education that responds to and upholds my de/colonizing commitments? The author develops a de/colonizing theory that includes four interrelated components. They include: (a) the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s notion of reconciliation and education for reconciliation, (b) Indigenous land-based traditions for establishing and maintaining respectful relationships, (c) the central role of Indigenous counter-stories in truth and reconciliation education, and (d) critiques of the construction and enactment of reconciliation. Together, these components provide orientations, challenges, and possibilities for consideration when engaging theory building, community involvement, research design, policy development, and practice for truth and reconciliation education.