Redress and Reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples in the Form of Apologies: An Inadequate and Abysmal Procedure that Supports Settler Colonialism

To reach redress and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, establishments such as the Catholic Church as well as the Canadian Government decided to issue “apologies;” however, these attempts are unauthentic as they support settler colonial ideals, and further promote the marginalization of Indigenous Peoples. This paper critiques current attempts of redress and reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples by contending these “apologies” are insincere. Drawing on various frameworks provided by scholars such as Borrows, Palmater, Corntassel and Holder, as well as Tavuchis and James, this paper analyzes apologetic attempts made by the Catholic Church, former Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper (2008), and Pope Francis (2022) to argue that “apologies” are not only inadequate forms of reconciliation, but also insinuate absolute disregard and disrespect towards all Indigenous Peoples. Most importantly, this paper claims that the Canadian Federal Government must implement strategies of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by including them in policy-making decisions.