Forgetful settlers (by design): Paulina R. Johnson, ‘Settler-colonialism’s ability to forget Nêhiyawak memory’, Memory Studies, 19, 5, 2026, pp. 1475-1484 | settler colonial studies blog

Forgetful settlers (by design): Paulina R. Johnson, ‘Settler-colonialism’s ability to forget Nêhiyawak memory’, Memory Studies, 19, 5, 2026, pp. 1475-1484

29Oct26

Abstract: Memory is essential to Indigenous knowledge sharing, as it shapes how history, culture, and traditions are understood and maintained. Yet, the history of Settler Canada has been in contention with Indigenous understandings of the past as settler-colonialism has worked to minimize historical truths and create alternative and often blind histories. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada worked to share the lived experiences and atrocities of Indian Residential Schools and, over the last few years, has gained recognition for September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The overall aim has been to highlight the truths about Indian Residential Schools, but in doing so, Canadian society has normalized the narratives of trauma without moving forward to not only the 94 Calls to Action but what Reconciliation means, and the actions needed to undertake this responsibility as a collective for all of Canada and not just Indigenous Peoples. This article examines the role of memory and recollection from a Nêhiyawak (FourSpirit/Plains Cree) point of view as it examines the normalization of one of Canada’s greatest atrocities, further harming Indigenous Peoples.

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