Open Letter | Christopher Dummitt

Overview

• A group of historians addresses a letter to the Canadian Historical Association (CHA) and the Canadian public.
• The letter criticizes the CHA's Canada Day Statement regarding Canada's treatment of Indigenous peoples as genocidal.
• Published in venues like the Literary Review of Canada and Le Journal de Montreal.

Key Points

Disagreement with CHA's Claims

• CHA's statement claims consensus among historians on Canada's genocidal intent towards Indigenous peoples.
• Historians argue there is no widespread scholarly agreement on this interpretation.
• The letter accuses the CHA of misrepresenting historians' views and professionalism.

Importance of Open Debate

• Historians emphasize the need for open debate and diverse viewpoints.
• Criticism of CHA for promoting a single narrative and ignoring alternative interpretations.
• Concerns about CHA acting as an activist organization rather than a scholarly body.

Call to Action

• The letter demands the CHA retract its statement.
• Urges CHA to focus on promoting open debate and viewpoint diversity.
• Encourages continued research into residential school gravesites and creating a register of deceased children.

Concerns for Academic Freedom

• Fears expressed by many historians about supporting the letter due to potential risks to tenure and promotion.
• Call for CHA to adhere to values of objectivity, debate, and access to resources.

Signatories

• The letter is supported by numerous historians and scholars from various universities and institutions across Canada and abroad.

Conclusion

• The letter reflects a significant disagreement within the historical community over interpretations of Canadian history related to Indigenous issues.

• It highlights ongoing debates about academic freedom, scholarly conduct, and the role of historical associations.

• Published in 2021 by Christopher Dummitt.