Truth and Reconciliation is a conversation that requires that we listen, learn and willing to look at things we may not have understood before.

In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, Dan Plexman welcomes back Valerie Vanderwyk for a deeply personal conversation about Truth and Reconciliation.

Valerie is the Executive Director of Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship, and Development (ISEAD), a national Indigenous not-for-profit organization that advocates for and supports Indigenous youth and communities in accessing education, training and employment in the skilled trades. 

Valerie is a survivor of the ’60s Scoop, an experience that has shaped her own journey of understanding her identity, her history and the impact of generational trauma.

Dan and Val talk about what truth means, why listening and education are so important, and why reconciliation cannot happen without first acknowledging the truth. They share personal experiences and discuss the impact of denial, the importance of believing people when they have the courage to tell their stories, and the responsibility each of us has to learn and reflect.

The conversation also looks at the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada, the residential schools and the ’60s Scoop, and how a lack of understanding can continue to shape attitudes and behaviours from one generation to the next.

This is an emotional and thought-provoking conversation about truth, courage, understanding and finding ways to move forward together.

And as Val reminds us at the end of the episode: 

“Believe in people. And be kind.”

Want to connect with Val and learn more about ISEAD?  Feel free to reach out to her directly at vvanderwyk@isead.ca

Want to reach out to Dan?  Email him directly at dplexman@cusw.ca

Don’t forget to visit www.cusw.ca to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email Dan at podcast@cusw.ca. 

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