A day of education and enlightenment about Indigenous history and culture to honour children of the Residential School System

BY PAUL JUNOR

As Canada celebrates National Indigenous Month during the month of June, the Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity (CCIDWE) held an important virtual online event on Wednesday, June 23^rd, 2021. It was promoted as a day focusing on “Education and Enlightenment about  Indigenous History and Culture: Honouring Children of Residential School System.”

It is truly fitting that this event occurred in the light of the remains of 215 Indigenous children, which were discovered at the former residential school on May 5^th, 2021 in Kamloops, British Columbia. It was promoted by the Canadian Congress on Indigenous Matters and is intended to “Honour the thousands of children who lost their lives in the Residential School System while discussing the way forward as a nation, strategies to protect the Indigenous Peoples and enable the socio-economic development of their communities.”

The objectives of the virtual event were;

• Honour the lives of the 215 children and others who are yet to be found
• Encourage Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants through inspirational messages
• Empower them with strategies for success in leadership and entrepreneurship
• Teach them how to cope with mental health challenges and traumatic events
• Discuss collective decisions and actions to stand with the Indigenous people
• Challenge participants to become change agents and social justice advocates

It issues a clarion call “Let us work, march together virtually to honour the children who lost their lives in the Residential School System. Let us work together as a people on the way forward as a nation.”

The event was hosted by Alex Ihama, Executive Director of CCIDWE who apologized on behalf of all Christian denominations for the injustices that were meted out on the children at these residential schools. Stan Chic Ilo stated in the chat, “I am a Catholic priest at this conference. I join my voice to apologize for the terrible atrocities in the name of our church. I have committed myself in my own way of joining this fight.”

Chief Greg Henhawk of the Mohawk of the Bear Clan hosted the day’s event.  He engaged in an informative and fascinating educational journey to educate the audience in his Indigenous 101 presentation. Julie and Richard Pellissier-Lush gave the official opening and recited a moving poem on behalf of the missing children.

Laura Forythe gave a good overview of the Metis in Canada and recounted some interesting facts about the lived realities of the Metis in Manitoba.

Dr. Natalie Welch of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian (INC/USA) presented on sports as a pathway to Indigenous development.

Angela Adslt of the Tahitian Nation (British Columbia) spoke about Indigenous community development and property.

Tia Kenneday spoke about the importance of the role of youth in truth and reconciliation and emphasized their importance in aboriginal community.

Jamie Schmale, MP spoke about on behalf of the Provincial Conservatives party and recalled the apology that former Prime Minister Stepher Harper issued to the Indigenous community.

The keynote speaker was Senator Jane McCallum of the Eastern Lands First Nation (Manitoba). She gave an informative and educational speech as a survivor of the residential school system and talked about ways that reconciliation efforts can be advanced in Canada.

Her life has been heavily influenced by the teachings, ceremonies, experiences and knowledge she acquired as a dentist working with Manitoba First Nations communities. Overall, this online virtual event was truly enlightening, and it provided hope that true reconciliation and healing will occur in Canada as the Indigenous communities overcome the trauma of residential schools.