It is estimated that humans first came to North America as early as 50,000 years ago. They spread across the continent and formed a wide range of groups with rich, distinct cultures, practices and traditions. When Europeans began settling in North America, they exploited the First Nations people, and tried to westernize them by eradicating their traditional cultures.

Today, First Nations people make up 5% of Canada’s population, the previous Conservative government issued a formal apology to First Nations people for the crimes committed against them, and the current Liberal government campaigned on promises to mend relations with indigenous groups. But for many indigenous people, these apologies and promises ring hollow. They suffer poverty, crime, substance abuse and suicide at rates much higher than the general population, and they still feel the aftershocks of their attempted cultural destruction.

Canadians respond to First Nations people and their grievances with a wide range of attitudes. Some are sympathetic and believe that the government has not done enough to make amends for the past. Others believe that indigenous people’s claims already receive too much attention, and we should move on to other priorities. Sometimes wider politics come into play, like when oil pipelines are slated to cut through indigenous lands, and disagreements fall along economic or environmental lines.

Has the Canadian government done enough to make amends for past crimes against First Nations people? Is there currently a climate of respect and co-operation between indigenous peoples, non-indigenous Canadians and governments? What is the best way for all of us to move forward on these issues?