Residential school denialism downplays harms faced by survivors

Residential school denialism refers to attempts to downplay or misrepresent the harms caused by Canada's residential school system. It does not deny that the schools existed but often ignores or minimizes the negative experiences of Indigenous people's lives there. Recently, B.C. MLA Dallas Brodie faced backlash for questioning the experiences of Indigenous survivors. After her comments, she was removed from the Conservative Party caucus. Brodie believes she was simply stating the truth. However, experts like historian Sean Carleton argue that her remarks reflect common denialist arguments, which distort the factual history of residential schools. Carleton explains that denialism involves twisting information to suggest the system had good intentions. He warns that such rhetoric undermines public confidence in established historical truths. He emphasizes the need to recognize patterns of behavior that indicate denialism, such as failing to acknowledge the death toll of children in these schools. Crystal Gail Fraser, a professor at the University of Alberta, frames denialism as dismissing the experiences of survivors. She believes that portraying the residential school system as well-intended also falls under this category. Fraser argues that denialism will persist as long as the broader context of colonialism exists. Ry Moran, director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, emphasizes centering survivor stories in discussions about denialism. He defines it as actions that seek to discredit what survivors have shared about their experiences. He affirms that numerous investigations have validated these survivors' accounts. Moran adds that denialism has a long history, dating back to when students who reported abuses were not believed. Leah Gazan, an MP, introduced a bill that seeks to criminalize residential school denialism, paralleling laws against Holocaust denial. However, with an upcoming election, the bill's progress is uncertain. Gazan hopes to reintroduce it if she is re-elected.