TRC commissioner "very impressed" with visit to Lac Seul First Nation traditional territory
From Kenora Daily Miner and News
Truth and Reconciliation commissioner ‘very impressed’ with regional visit
Posted By Mike Aiken - May 14, 2010
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The head of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Justice Murray Sinclair (right), talks with survivor Garnet Angeconeb (left) Thursday evening after listening to two days of statements from residential school survivors at Pelican Falls First Nation High School near Sioux Lookout.Photo by Mike Aiken |
After two days of hearings, the head of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Justice Murray Sinclair, said he was impressed by his first trip to Northwestern Ontario.
Even though it was put together on just two weeks notice, following an invitation from Sioux Lookout resident Garnet Angeconeb, Sinclair said the decade of work on balancing the relationship between native and non-native communities was clearly paying off.
"I think it's been a very positive experience," he said following the morning session Thursday at Pelican Falls First Nation High School.
"I'm very impressed with what's going on here," he added.
The community-based event was hosted by volunteers from the local reconciliation committee. It was located at the site of the former boarding school, also referred to as an Indian Residential School, because it now serves as a high school.
During the visit, the commission also offered the opportunity for current students to learn about a dark period in Canadian history, which has yet to be included in many textbooks.
The event will further sharpen the focus for the commission as it builds toward its first national event in Winnipeg next month. From June 15 to 19, staff hope to hear from 5,000 to 10,000 people at The Forks.
While many at the gathering had told their story many times before, they were still willing to revisit painful memories for the sake of their children and grandchildren, in hopes they wouldn't have to suffer the same path in life. Quite often, speakers referred to years lost to alcohol and drug abuse that resulted in failed marriages, broken families, troubles with employment and periods of homelessness.
They traced the pattern back to their days at residential school, when they were taught not to speak their language, practice their traditions or express emotions. Many were torn from their families at a very young age and they were separated from their parents and siblings for months and even years at a time.
Some are still reconnecting with branches of their family tree as they learn from gatherings what happened with their brothers and sisters, some of whom they'd never met. A publication prepared by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in partnership with the National Archives of Canada entitled Where are the Children described in detail the impact of the country's force assimilation policy on aboriginal children for close to a century.
One woman talked about how dehumanizing the process was at her school, where she was called by a number, rather than her English or Indian names.
“We were just a number. Sixty-seven was all I knew. Can you imagine being just a number?" she asked.
Several talked about how they became ashamed of their native ancestry after being told repeatedly that it was evil.
“I hid my Indian name until I was 30. They almost killed the Indian in me," said one participant, referring to a key line from the prime minister's apology in 2008.
“I'm never good enough. This is what I carry with me," she concluded.
In her statement, Claudette Chevrier was blunt in her assessment of the federal government's strategy to eliminate aboriginal culture. By breaking the spirit of native people, they would have easier access to resources and the money they derived, she said.
There were also many stories from those who had overcome the odds in order to become leaders in their communities and professionals within the workforce.
Many also said they cherished the deep friendships they'd developed with other students, as well as some exceptional staff members.
Throughout the session, support workers and elders were nearby for those still struggling to find peace. They emphasized that crying and being emotional was part of the healing process as they came to accept who they were and what they'd experienced.
Before the Apologies from the government and churches, stories of physical and sexual abuse were denied for many years. At the end of Thursday's session, elders emphasized the importance of helping each other get beyond the painful memories to rebuild a sense of trust in a better tomorrow.
They also talked about the strength that can be found in faith and spirituality — which could be either traditional or Christian teachings — as a guide for the healing journey. In time, speakers talked about learning how to express their love for spouses, children and family members.
Time and again, those providing statements hoped the ripple effect from the schools would end with their generation. While many believe their stories to be the truth, from their hearts, they didn't expect reconciliation to come any time soon.
However, the head of the commission hoped they would see sufficient progress within his lifetime, so that the journey would continue after he was gone.