Talk Truth 10.19.26 - Leighton Grey | What exactly is “Turtle Island,” and what does it mean for Canada? Lawyer and commentator Leighton Grey returns to Talk Truth to examine the Indigenous concept of Turtle Island, its cultural significance and his argument that it has no independent legal standing under Canadian law. Grey challenges prevailing narratives about Indigenous and European history, discusses the residential school system and questions how governments, activists and churches approach truth and reconciliation. Allan and Corri also raise questions about reserve lands, Alberta independence and a church congregation asked to participate in a reconciliation reading. Grey explains why he believes reconciliation must involve historical truth, equal human dignity, repentance and forgiveness rather than collective guilt.

00:00 Introduction

02:59 Guest comes in: Leighton Grey

03:40 What is Turtle Island?

04:47 Does Turtle Island have legal standing in Canada?

05:25 Grey challenges historical narratives

06:33 Violence and conflict in pre-contact societies

08:58 Christianity and the idea of the “noble savage”

10:06 Grey's criticism of reconciliation narratives

12:11 What does true reconciliation require?

13:12 Allan asks about the reserve system

15:27 Alberta independence and Indigenous land rights

17:08 Grey discusses residential schools

18:59 Land acknowledgments and the role of faith

19:30 Should churches participate in reconciliation readings?

22:10 Grey responds to the church's statement

23:45 Loving your neighbour and overcoming division

25:19 Allan asks about biblical reconciliation

25:58 Christianity, repentance and forgiveness

27:27 Final thoughts