Commentary I have just read an article by an illustrious academic fellow stating that, when it comes to guest speakers at our colonial-sodden universities, the university should ask permission if that man or woman may speak. In his view, a university should be required to seek permission from the local indigenous communities. If permission is given, fine; if not, the speaker in question should not have their moment on the podium. That is, we give our power of free speech over to the First Nations. Though this may seem completely ludicrous to ordinary Canadians, it should not surprise those of us who have seen the wonderful benefits of an academic education at such places as Western University, where this academic teaches and does research. Still, we have been told so very often by exceptional people that we are such racists and colonialists, perhaps we cannot see how beneficial this will be …