Dr. David MacDonald, a professor in the Department of Political Science who has written extensively on residential schools Indigenous children in Canada were forced to attend, spoke to elements of Pope Francis’ visit and apology to Canadians with Global News.  

MacDonald noted the forcible transfer of Indigenous children is part of the UN convention on genocide, and that it occurred within the Canadian residential school system.  

MacDonald’s research focuses on comparative Indigenous politics in Canada; his publications include The Sleeping Giant Awakes: Genocide, Indian Residential Schools and the Challenge of Conciliation. Previously, he was a consultant for the federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission.