Governor General’s History Symposium: Fostering Understanding and Empathy through Inclusive History
Convocation Hall, University of Winnipeg
Canada’s National History Society, Rideau Hall Foundation
I was invited to witness the Governor General’s History Symposium, hosted at the University of Winnipeg. The discussion featured a variety of panelists who each came from a unique background.
Listening to the conversation with a background in the academic debates about Canadian historiography was an interesting experience. The event reminded me that though there are overlaps between popular history and academic history, they are entirely different disciplines. Furthermore, there is also a symbiotic reliance between those who do scholarly, academic historical research (“professional”) and history educators. The conversation brought up many themes that have been the subject of academic debate, including regionalism and diversity, the need for classroom supports, and the value of historically conscious citizens.
The Governor General shared opening remarks, and participated in the discussion. There was a fascinating moment of knowledge transmission between Governor General Simon, who has Inuk heritage, and panelist Nikki Komaksiutiksak who is also Inuk and works to support Inuit people who relocate from the North to southern (urban) Canada. Governor General Simon explained an Inuktitut word, and it’s meaning that Nikki had struggle to articulate.
This was the second time in less than 10 days that I found myself at an event the Governor General also attended, as she also attended the public memorial for Murray Sinclair.
The event was celebrated at the University of Winnipeg.
