Shallow River of Tears: Canada's Stalled Paths to Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report marked a new moment in national consciousness: a recognition of Indigenous histories, an awareness of the injustices committed by Settlers and their governments, and an understanding of the need for redress and the restoration of rights. At the time, Settler populations largely voiced support for these recommendations and committed to a more just future; in the years since, words have eclipsed actions.

In Shallow River of Tears Andrew Basso and Andrea Perrella mobilize four years of survey research to understand why Reconciliation has stalled. They draw from one of the largest databases of Settler attitudes to explain support for – and resistance to – what they term “Reconciliaction”: real change that fosters individual and community success while remedying past and ongoing harms. The authors identify and analyze key stages preceding action on the part of Settlers: denial, recognition, sympathy, and empathy. These variables are measured against public opinion to offer a solid empirical foundation for effecting sociopolitical change and moving Reconciliation forward.

Thoughtful and provocative, this book provides guidance for students, scholars, practitioners – indeed, all systemically empowered Settlers – so they may choose to act in support of Reconciliation and the second chance it provides.