On February 3, 2022, a virtual conference brought together experts from different backgrounds and cultures to discuss various socio-political issues. This conversation between Canada and France focused on reconciliation, particularly on how to address historical events that continue to impact our society today. While Canada and France are facing their unique challenges, they share a common desire to better understand their past, to strive for peace and to strengthen their society today.
Present at the virtual conference were
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon
Governor General of Canada. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon was sworn in on July 26, 2021, as Canada's first Indigenous Governor General. Ms. Simon gained national and international recognition for her work on Arctic and Indigenous issues and her advocacy in defence of Inuit rights, youth, education and culture.
The Honourable Renée Dupuis.
Senator @Senate of Canada. Senator Renée Dupuis Specializes in human rights, Indigenous law and administrative law. Senator Dupuis was an Honorary Witness for Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Alexandre Bacon
Innu from Mashteuiatsh, is a Recognized Expert on Indigenous issues and President of the Ashukan Institute[IE7].Bringing people together through events in and around Ottawa, Mr. Bacon holds a Master's degree in Public Administration and specializes in Indigenous issues, particularly on the subject of governance and self-government.
Raymond Frogner
Director of Archives @National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Raymond FROGNER has been the Director of Archives at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation since 2016. Special Advisor on Indigenous Affairs for the Canadian Council of Archives. Protects and disseminates documents of identity and historical value to Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Also a member of the Expert Group on Indigenous Affairs at the International Council of Archives.
Benjamin Stora
Historian and university professor. Benjamin Stora is a university professor. He teaches the history of contemporary North Africa (19th and 20th centuries), the conflicts surrounding decolonization, and the history of North African immigration to Europe at Université Paris 13 and INALCO (Langues Orientales, Paris). He is the author of the report entitled “Les questions mémorielles portant sur la colonisation et la guerre d’Algérie,” submitted to the French President in January 2021.
Laetitia Bucaille.
Politist, Professor of political sociology, Vice-Chairwoman of the INALCO Board of Directors. Member of the ***“Mémoires et vérité” commission mandated with implementing the Stora Report. Author of “Le Pardon et la rancœur; hgrAlgérie” and “France, Afrique du Sud : peut-on enterrer la guerre ?”
Alain-G. Gagnon
President-elect and Professor of Political Science @Royal Society of Canada and the Univ. du Quebec à Montréal. Professor of Political Studies, teaches in Canada and France. He was recently elected President of the Royal Society of Canada and will take office in November 2022. Director of the Groupe de recherche sur les sociétés plurinationales (GRSP); Dir. Centre d'analyse politique: constitution - fédéralisme (CAPCF); Prof. Canada Research Chair in Quebec and Canadian Studies (CREQC); has worked on the theme of "Recognizing the power of history."
Jenna Robar
Member of the Prime Minister's Youth Council. Mi'kmaw, Member of the Prime Minister's Youth Council. Ms Robar studies at Glendon College and works with Indigenous and newcomer communities (IRCC). National Ambassador of Hope for the Canadian organization "We Matter," she has travelled across Canada speaking to Indigenous youth. Accustomed to standing up for her convictions, she has spoken and drummed in the House of Commons, at the United Nations Association in Canada, and in schools and universities across the country on behalf of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Nabil Djarfi
Political Science student (Univ. of Geneva)@"Regards de la jeune génération sur les mémoires franco-algériennes". The grandson of a Harki, he is currently studying in Geneva. He is a member of the “Regards de la jeune génération sur les mémoires franco-algériennes” group, which is monitoring the implementation of Benjamin Stora’s Report. All the members are driven by the desire to heal memories, recognize them in their singularity, heal the wounds still felt today, and work towards reconciliation and building a shared future. The group has penned messages addressed to the President of the Republic (France).
Taking a look at past and present injustices and discrimination to recognize, listen, and ultimately move forward. This is where #Reconciliation begins. Thank you to the experts on both sides of the Atlantic for participating in our conversation on this key priority.
Our two countries pledge to continue our close collaboration for a safer world. #AmitiéCAFR
