The Kamloops Controversy: Academic Freedom Under Attack | Frances Widdowson | EP 163

Описание: This episode was recorded on July 16th, 2025.

What really happened at the Kamloops residential school site, and why are so many questions still unanswered? In this episode, I sit down with political science professor Frances Widdowson to discuss the controversial claims about unmarked graves in Canada, the role of ground-penetrating radar, and how these narratives have shaped public policy and academic discourse. Frances, known for her work on indigenous policy and her commitment to defending academic freedom, brings a wealth of insight into how misinformation can take hold and the importance of open inquiry, even when the topics are difficult. We also talk about the impact of censorship and how universities are failing in their mission to foster real debate. I would love to hear your thoughts—please leave a comment, subscribe for more conversations like this, and share this episode with anyone who cares about truth and accountability.

Find more from Frances:
Exposing the Kamloops Mass Grave Deception's Impact on Powell River:    • WHAT REMAINS: Exposing the Kamloops Mass G...  
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— Chapters —
00:00 - Introducing Frances Widdowson and the Kamloops controversy
02:00 - Early studies on Aboriginal policy and residential schools
05:00 - Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the term cultural genocide
08:00 - Kamloops claims of 215 unmarked graves and public reaction
12:00 - Issues with ground-penetrating radar and lack of excavations
17:00 - Kevin Annett, unverified stories, and the spread of misinformation
21:00 - Burial practices, unmarked graves, and cemetery record-keeping
26:00 - Media narratives and political leaders’ responses to Kamloops
31:00 - University presidents and the failure to encourage debate
35:00 - Street epistemology as a tool for difficult conversations
40:00 - Academic cancellations and the culture of self-censorship
46:00 - Financial incentives and the Aboriginal industry
50:00 - Broader issues in Indigenous communities and resource diversion
55:00 - Secrecy at Kamloops and the need for transparent excavations
58:00 - Historical parallels: Salem witch trials and moral panics
01:03:00 - Knowledge keepers and the persistence of unverified claims
01:08:00 - Closing reflections on truth, evidence, and academic freedom