I've been reading a lot about the Residential School Apology. Most people seem to feel the weight of the words uttered in the Commons, although some feel that the issue of genocide needs to be addressed. I will put a collection of links at the bottom if you feel like investigating.
Personally, I was stunned by the power of Native leaders on the floor of Canada's law-making house. Phil Fontaine, in his headress, addressing the Prime Minister nearly face to face, made me realize that as a European Canadian I have no idea what it means to negotiate with First Nations on a "nation-to-nation" basis. Jack Layton (like him or not) even acknowledged that the Residential School policy was 'racist,' calling us all to take a deep look at our own views towards Native people and our government's dealings with them.
On a local note, I came across a photo of a residential school near Woodstock. I would like to know how long this went on, and whether those survivors are still in the area. Given that Woodstock First Nation recently settled a land claim with the federal government, and that they have been involved in litigation about Native people and their right to cut wood on "Crown" land, it's not possible for us to pretend that quiet old Carleton County is not affected. People tend to ignore these topics because it means confronting their role as participants, however slight.
I'm not saying that absolutely everything is the fault of Europeans, but it's time to look at the situation with new eyes. We have begun the "truth" part of the "Truth and Reconciliation" commission. The "reconciliation" will take honesty and courage - let's hope we can find it.
Links: Quebec Native Women's Response
Rex Murphy "The Day The House Stood Still"
Ward Churchill "Healing Begins When the Wounding Stops"
Globeandmail.com "School-abuse apology widely backed"
No comments:
Post a Comment