September 30th is set apart in Canada as a day to remember the impact the residential school programs have had on the people of Canada. It is a day to honour and to reflect on the many children who died, and those who survived.
My first steps in the journey to reconciliation include: friendship and education.
My education journey was kicked into action by my dear friend Sharon Olsen who expressed her frustration that her friends and members of her community did not understand, did not know the history of the indigenous people. In response to her frustration, during COVID we began a group that evolved into what might be called a “Book Club”. It was led by Carl Olsen, Sharon Olsen, with Joni Olsen providing expert input, and other guest speakers including Dr Sheila Blackstock and Dr Judith Sayers. We met, every few weeks on a Sunday night, we discussed, wrestled with, and challenged one another. We learned much.
Here are some of the Canadian documents if you are interested in learning more. And even if you are already on the path to understanding the history, you might want to review again the list of recommendations in the TRC report.
- Government of Canada – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Report
If you are looking for books – here are the first three books that I read, that helped me to gain a greater understanding of the challenges for First Nation/Indigenous peoples.
- The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King
- 21 Things you may not know about the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
- Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
This post was written from my home, in Saanichton, which is situated on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people which includes W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), W̱SIKEM (Tseycum), and BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) Nations.
And mostly, I give thanks for dear friends, friends who have been patient with me while I have been learning.
Kath.
