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A debate at the University of Calgary on whether Canada's residential school system was genocide sparked criticism from Indigenous students who called it denialism, while organizers defended it as free speech.
A debate at the University of Calgary over whether Canada's residential school system should be considered genocide drew criticism from Indigenous students, who described the event as denialism and harmful, while organizers said it was intended to encourage discussion about a difficult part of Canadian history. The event was held Sept. 29 in the science theatres atrium, one day before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Event Details and Organizers
University of Calgary professor emeritus Tom Flanagan and Rebel News reporter Drea Humphrey were invited to discuss the issue with students at an information table organized by a student free-speech group. Some students described the event as residential school denialism, while organizers rejected that characterization and said the purpose was to allow people with differing views to speak directly with one another.
Indigenous Students Speak Out
Indigenous UCalgary student Mizzie Walker said she was disappointed to see the discussion taking place outside a classroom in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, where she is studying Indigenous studies.
Walker said the question of whether residential schools constituted genocide should not be treated as an academic exercise. She said it is not a debatable topic, not free speech, and not something that is debated.
Walker is a member of a First Nation in New Brunswick and said her father, William Albert Walker, attended Shingwauk Residential School in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. She said the event was particularly difficult because it was held immediately before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Walker called it devastating and said students had reached out to university offices seeking answers about how the event was allowed to take place. She said students were also frustrated that they had not received an explanation about the timing of the event, adding that there is no accountability.
Another Indigenous student, Jay Mawdsley, also described the event as sickening. Mawdsley said his own family was directly affected by residential schools and that the history continues to affect Indigenous families today.
Mawdsley said students should be able to discuss difficult historical questions, but argued the event crossed a line, stating that hate speech is not free speech.
University of Calgary Response
The University of Calgary said the event was organized by an external party and that it does not endorse the views expressed. However, the university said its free-expression rules require it to allow lawful expression on campus, including ideas that may be considered offensive or objectionable.
Vice-provost of student and campus experience Verity Turpin said the university understands why students were upset by the event, particularly given its timing. She said the university understands that the event was deeply harmful and hurtful.
Turpin said the university is committed to supporting Indigenous students and will review its policies and procedures as it considers how to move forward. She said the University of Calgary stands firmly with its Indigenous students and Indigenous community members.
The university said it is guided by its Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p, and its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. When asked about the handling of the event and an incident involving a student throwing water, Turpin said she would not comment on the specific incident. She said the university is an institution of learning and will look at policies and procedures and at those students to see how it can move forward in a good way.
The University of Calgary Students' Union also said it had heard concerns from students. President Gabriela Dziegielewska said in a statement that their top priority is student safety and wellbeing. She said they have heard from students about the harm this event caused, particularly those whose loved ones went through the residential school system.
The students' union said it was encouraging impacted students to seek support. It said it is important to remember this is not just an intellectual exercise, but something that affected real people.
Organizers Defend Discussion
William Diaz-Berthiaume, national campus coordinator for Canadian Students for Free Speech, said the event was intended to create an opportunity for students to debate the historical record. He said no one is denying that residential schools were an atrocity, and that children were cruelly separated from their family, and many raped and abused. He said that is a horrible fact, and no one is denying this tragedy in the country's history.
University Of Calgary Residential Schools Indigenous Students Tom Flanagan Drea Humphrey Free Speech Truth And Reconciliation
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