By Mikayla Geraghty – Staff Writer

With National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Indigenous awareness is pushed to the forefront of Canadian views. Students, beginning at four years old, spend weeks leading up to Sept. 30 learning about Canada’s dark history and allyship to Indigenous communities; the population wears orange shirts; news outlets are flooded with images of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals marching in solidarity; Indigenous voices are broadcasted and celebrated. But what happens after?

While showing support to the many Indigenous communities on Sept. 30 is crucial, it is essential to remember that allyship is ongoing and should not be extinguished after a day of solidarity. 

In an interview with Bishop’s professor and Kanien’kehà:ka woman, Curran Jacobs, we discussed the importance of non-Indigenous individuals demonstrating daily allyship beyond Sept. 30. Allyship is a relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples that must remain ongoing. It is the responsibility of non-Indigenous individuals to dedicate themselves to a lifelong journey of continuing education. Allies commit to well-rounded learning about not only the history of Indigenous peoples, but also current events and influential people from Indigenous communities. 

Jacobs stated that we should commit ourselves to “learn about the beautiful, positive stories of Indigenous peoples, but not expect them to be our teachers”. There are many resources that individuals can consult before asking Indigenous people to educate them. Allies should take time to visit, learn and understand. Committing oneself to a constant learning journey will not only enrich understanding but also foster stronger allyship with the many Indigenous communities. 

The idea of being a good ally is one that goes beyond performative activism and is instead rooted in one’s daily life as a promise to deliver social justice on all levels. To create fundamental change, allyship must be ongoing on a personal, institutional and national scale.

In a guide published by the Montreal Aboriginal Network, professionals highlight the fact that the term “ally” is not an identity that can be “self-appointed”, and instead “requires you to show your understanding through actions, relations, and recognition by the community”. 

When asked how the student body can improve allyship and the lives of Indigenous students on campus, Jacobs highlighted that activism “needs to be run by students and not just Indigenous students, because reconciliation is about two groups reconciling. In order to not learn on the backs of Indigenous people, it needs to be possible for all students to take the bull by the horns and spread knowledge or awareness”.  

The efforts of reconciliation are meant to be shared amongst all people as a partnership, working together to right the wrongs and create a more equitable and socially just environment for all. While this may seem daunting, it is a crucial step towards allyship. Mistakes may be made along the way; however, as Jacobs said, “You are going to remember that lesson forever. Part of reconciliation is misstepping, apologizing but getting back on the horse and moving again”.