The finding of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Residential School, and potentially more since then in other locations, has brought a crucial urgency to the work required for the journey of truth and reconciliation in Canada.
Today (June 21), as people across the country celebrate and honour the heritage, diverse cultures and incredible achievements of the First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis people, many will also be taking time to reflect on the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of residential schools.
“For years, many survivors, and relatives of survivors have been talking about the horrible and dehumanizing experiences of Canada’s residential schools,” says Theresa Rajack-Talley, vice provost, Equity & Inclusion. “We can no longer look away. These children were severely punished and some died for just trying to be their Indigenous selves.”
This Thursday (June 24), the next panel in the Speak Truth to Power series will allow all to listen to voices of the Indigenous community, to understand, show compassion, and mobilize to act.
Titled They found us and we are coming home: The truth about residential schools, the upcoming virtual forum will welcome the experiences of guest panelists, including Patti Doyle-Bedwell, associate professor with ±«Óătv; Natalie Gloade, Indigenous activist; and The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, former lieutenant governor of New Brunswick and chancellor of St. Thomas University.
All are welcome to attend the event, which will be hosted on at 6:00 p.m. ADT.
Speaking truth to power
±«Óătv’s Speak Truth to Power series began as a conversation about two pandemics that converged around the need for greater attention on racial, socio-economic, gender, and other social inequity issues and their intersections. Â
Born out of the pain of tragic events, witnessed widely through the news and media and experienced by many on a personal level, the series provides a platform to speak the truth from our various perspectives, educate anyone willing to learn about social justice issues, and partner with the communities most affected in hopes of enacting change or at a minimum instilling greater understanding, compassion, and knowledge.
If you have missed the previous forums and would like to view them now, please visit the Human Rights & Equity Services website for more information on the series and the video links.
See also: Ask an expert: What happens now after the Kamloops residential school tragedy?