I’ve been talking to clients about the meaning of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and noticed distinct cultural differences in people’s reactions, which is in line with an ongoing psychoeducational discussion with some of my East-Asian clients. I have two primary groups of East Asian clients, one group that endorses more traditional value; another, with cultural values more aligned with the local Canadian norms. The higher the local cultural values, I noticed in my practice, the more open and willing they are to learning, discussing, and understanding the importance of this day to everyone.
“What does Indigenous people have anything to do with us? Why does the government care so much about them when WE’RE struggling too?”
“Julie, I’m already so busy with my own issues that I’m trying to work on in therapy. Why should I care about people I don’t even know?”
I’m sad when I hear these comments, because Indigenous issues do impact us all. On a societal level, some reasons to care include:
- Awareness of Indigenous Issues: Understanding the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada fosters greater awareness of social justice and human rights. This knowledge can resonate with the experiences of other marginalized communities.
- Solidarity and Allyship: Recognizing the day encourages solidarity with Indigenous communities. Many Chinese Canadians have their own histories of migration and struggle, which can create a deeper understanding of the importance of standing with other oppressed groups.
- Cultural Exchange and Education: Engaging with Indigenous history and culture enriches the broader Canadian narrative. It provides an opportunity for all communities to learn from one another and promote a more inclusive society.
- Community Building: Acknowledging the past can help build bridges between diverse communities. It promotes dialogue and collaboration in addressing shared challenges like discrimination and inequality.
- Shared Responsibility: As part of Canadian society, all citizens have a role in fostering reconciliation and addressing the impacts of colonization. This shared responsibility is crucial for moving toward a more equitable future for everyone.
I understand that the abovementioned reasons may not resonate with all of my clients, as some have less social awareness or are not as motivated to increase their social awareness – unless “it impacts them personally and directly,” as one of my clients, who was forced by circumstances 3 years ago to start acknowledging the impact of social justice on him, succinctly put it. Therefore, I try to raise awarenes through more personally-relevant reasons. Personally, in my perspective, it is a demonstration of not only near-universal cultural values, but also one of our own humanity, to extend compassion and respect to others. Being able to be in a place where we can care for people outside of our immediate social circles can be a practice of virtue and strength. Mentally and emotionally, it benefits each of us to understand and to care for another minority group that has historically experienced systemic suppression and discrimination.
I have, unfortunately, heard of some clients complaining about the government “wasting” tax money on Indigenous people who drink too much, gamble too much, do too many drugs, or are simply “lazy and can’t help themselves.” These clients usually also have strong utilitarian values and beliefs in the fairness of hard work and equal opportunities. In sessions, I would ask them to imagine the consequences: if we do not care about vulnerable minorities in our society, without access to resources that many of us more privileged have, we end up creating greater gaps and inequality that will lead to more financial and societal burden that will further strain our society that we will share in the long term. As a micro-level example, we all benefit if we allow our children to befriend and share resources with another child in the classroom who would then have better chances to thrive mentally and academically, because then the teacher would be able to focus on all the children rather than just the few. I ask them to think about the future, long-term, and the greater societal consequences, rather than the immediate (lack of) interactions and experiences they have had personally. Ultimately, witnessing, practicing, and hearing about compassion can cultivate our positive interdependence that allow us, both as a society and individually, to thrive emotionally and psychologically.
The conversations surrounding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reveal significant cultural nuances among my East Asian clients, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing these differences. Although some may view Indigenous issues as unrelated to their own experiences, I believe it is essential to recognize that our societal fabric is intertwined.
I truly hope that, by fostering an attitude of compassion and respect, we not only honor the history and rights of Indigenous peoples but also cultivate a more inclusive and equitable society for all. As we strive for reconciliation, we embrace the opportunity to learn from each other and build bridges across diverse communities. Ultimately, our collective well-being hinges on our willingness to extend care beyond our immediate circles. In doing so, we not only support those who have historically faced oppression but also contribute to a future where everyone can thrive together. This practice of compassion is not just a moral imperative; it is a necessary step toward healing and strengthening our society as a whole.
For other fellow practitioners, I hope we can all raise awareness and encourage compassion in sessions with individual clients in honor of this day.