Marie Wilson’s Insights on Truth and Reconciliation | Jack Matthews Fellow 2024

This week, Lakefield College School had the distinct honour of hosting Marie Wilson, the 2024 Jack Matthews Fellow, for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with our students in the Learning Commons. Following her address, Marie delivered the public Jack Matthews lecture at the Canadian Canoe Museum, further extending her impactful message to the community.

During her talk, Marie emphasized the vital role that education plays in fostering understanding and driving positive change. She shared her insights on truth and reconciliation, urging students to recognize the importance of awareness in shaping attitudes and relationships. “When we know more, we can do differently,” Marie stated. “Awareness changes attitudes... new attitudes engage new relationships.”

Fifty students had the opportunity to hear Marie’s address during the school day, and students from our World Issues, Equity & Social Justice, and Student Life classes attended her public talk at the Canadian Canoe Museum. Marie Wilson’s visit has left a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and staff, reminding us of our collective responsibility to engage with the ongoing journey of reconciliation in a meaningful way. Her words have inspired us to reflect on how we can contribute to positive change within our community and beyond.

As we continue to explore these important themes, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from individuals like Marie, who challenge us to think critically and act with purpose.

Marie Wilson is a former Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, where she played a pivotal role in uncovering the hidden history of forced residential schooling for Indigenous children. With the skills of a journalist and the deep personal insights of being the spouse of a residential school survivor, Wilson witnessed and recorded survivor testimonies across the country. Her work honours the resilience of survivors and calls attention to the ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation. In her memoir, North of Nowhere, she offers a powerful reflection on the enduring legacy of residential schools and the vital importance of reconciliation as a gift, not an obligation.

The Jack Matthews Fellowship was created in 2008 to honour the founding contributions former LCS Headmaster Jack Matthews made to Lakefield College School, Trent University, and The Canadian Canoe Museum. The Fellowship has brought together our three institutions, and the resulting collaboration has benefited our diverse communities and varying missions. The legacy of Jack Matthews’ extraordinary vision and leadership allows us to continue to grow and learn as global citizens in a uniquely Canadian way.