大象传媒

We are thrilled to celebrate Kailee Oates for successfully defending her MA thesis, titled " Exploring Perceptions & Understandings of Reconciliation in the Yukon."

Abstract

Settler colonialism in Canada, characterized by the occupation of Indigenous lands and systemic dominance over Indigenous peoples, is an ongoing structure embedded in laws, education systems, land governance, and other institutions. At a pivotal moment in its history, Canada is facing increasing pressure to address both historic and continuing colonial harms to Indigenous peoples through reconciliation. This study explores how settler Canadians, as subjects shaped by and complicit in the colonial system, perceive reconciliation, to better understand the challenges and possibilities of its advancement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 residents across the Yukon and analysed thematically. Findings indicate that while awareness of Canada鈥檚 colonial history is growing, substantial gaps remain in understanding its present-day forms, alongside notable resistance from settler Canadians to critically engage with colonial realities. These insights inform recommendations across education, media, historical knowledge, and intergroup relations, and highlight the value of Indigenous perspectives, such as two-eyed-seeing, in navigating conflicting viewpoints.