09/30/2021
On this first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, where all Canadians join together to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities, I am sad, grateful, hopeful and frustrated.
The image in this post is of Holly Fortier and her mom Elder Lina Gallup. I invite you to watch the beautiful 14 minute film (link in bio) by the talented and brilliant Holly Fortier. It is about her mother’s journey as a survivor of the residential school system. Lina was taken at age 6 from her family and spent 13 years in a residential school. In honour of the thousands whose voices have been stolen by death and murder in those government funded schools, and the thousands more who lost their lives after turning 18 and being dumped in cities with virtually no chance of survival, please pause today and let Lina’s voice speak to you. I am honoured to know you and thank you for giving so many children a voice through your film A Mother’s Voice.
As a white Canadian, my privilege has allowed me to spend most of my life oblivious to the atrocities committed by our country, even through much of my lifetime, against the Indigenous peoples of Canada. I am embarrassed by my ignorance. I am sorry for not being more passionately engaged when I first learned about the lies I had been taught in school. I am honoured by the kindness, compassion and strength of First Nations friends and acquaintances in recent years who have embraced me despite my failings in embracing their generational journey for so long.
Over recent years, when I have asked “what can I do?”, the answer has been consistent: learn. I have been invited to educate myself about the history and culture that was stolen from so many. I have been challenged to seek out and build relationships with Indigenous neighbours and friends. I have been reminded to speak up when I see or hear prejudice.
Such simple requests. And each of us can do it.
