We as settlers in Canada absolutely need to do better by Indigenous Peoples.
The news about the remains of 215 Indigenous children found at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops is heartbreaking to say the least. Each of those children had the potential to become someone who made a difference in the world. That potential was stolen and literally buried away.
I can go on about what I believe we need to do, but right now, it’s important we understand the full impact residential schools have.
Below are links where you can find the stories of people who survived those schools. We should not take it for granted that they spoke to the media, having to re-live the trauma and bring up really, really dark memories. Read them, watch them, understand them, and learn from them. Then, reflect on what actions you can take to support Indigenous Peoples.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: The Survivors Speak
Legacy of Hope Foundation: Residential School Survivor Stories
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