In a significant step towards furthering Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, University Canada West has launched a new six-part educational series, “Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward”. This educational initiative, hosted by award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist Lisa LaFlamme, offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of First Nations peoples in Canada and illuminates a path towards reconciliation of these Indigenous communities.

The series aims to raise awareness of this often-forgotten part of Canadian history, by illuminating the past, present, and future of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and to bridge the past with the present to pave the way for a more inclusive future.

The series features interviews with prominent figures, including Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations; and Kathleen Mahoney, an internationally recognised human rights expert. These distinguished guests, along with other notable contributors, provide viewers – not just students, but the wider population too – with a nuanced understanding of Indigenous history and the complexities of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

The series was recently named a 2024 MUSE Creative Awards Platinum winner in the Video-Documentary category and received a Platinum Award in the 2024 Viddy Awards. Award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist.

Mahoney and Fontaine emphasised the transformative potential of the series, stating: “All good teaching is about transformation – individual, collective and institutional. Each of these levels is needed to foster reconciliation for all wrongs done to Indigenous peoples in Canada. We hope this series assists in some small way towards that end.”