VIDEO: Truth and reconciliation means 'getting to know each other'

Former NHL coach of the year Ted Nolan is now an author, having recently released a memoir titled Life in Two Worlds: A Coach’s Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back.

The book is a brutally honest recollection of how the one-time bench boss of the Buffalo Sabres, born and raised in Garden River First Nation, reached the highest levels of our national game — and the anti-Indigenous racism he endured at many points along the way.

A guest on the latest episode of Village Media's Inside the Village podcast, Nolan was asked what truth and reconciliation means to him — and how he would explain the concept to people who may not understand it.

“Sometimes in life we complicate things too, too much," Nolan said. "When I coached, people would ask me what my philosophy is? ‘Just put the puck in the net one more time than the opposition.’ It’s not really that complicated — and so is this. The simple thing is: don’t be so judgmental and think that you’re better than somebody else. We are all God’s children and we are all here trying to do the same thing. Have respect for one another and get to know each other. You don’t really know what someone’s going through until you actually get to know them and talk.”

Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode is available HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.