Anton Treuer’s speech at the Alworth Center, titled "Truth and Reconciliation Begins with Truth," focuses on the foundational role of honest acknowledgment in healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, emphasizing that genuine reconciliation is impossible without directly confronting historical and present truths of oppression. Dr. Treuer draws on his expertise as an Ojibwe scholar and educator to illustrate how building new systems of liberation—and not merely reforming old, oppressive ones—requires deep truth-telling about injustice and trauma, as well as involving both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the ongoing process.

In his addresses, Treuer regularly discusses:

• The need to move beyond superficial acknowledgments toward meaningful, structural changes that dismantle systemic barriers.

• How community healing, cultural preservation, and fairer relationships depend on truth-telling as the first step.

• The personal and community benefits—and the significant emotional and political challenges—of reconciliation, presenting stories from his own life, broader historical context, and examples of successful healing initiatives.

• Practical strategies and tools for engaging in reconciliation, encouraging all audience members to become active participants in this transformative work, regardless of background.

Treuer’s overall message underscores that "fairness is not given, it is made," and achieving it requires intentionally disrupting cycles of trauma, promoting cultural competence, and listening across differences to build a just and inclusive society.