The ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the discovery of approximately 215 unmarked graves near Kamloops Indian Residential School began with prayer.
For all the little children who are still here in these lands, I pray that you will know that we have not forgotten you.pleaded with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation Councilor Jeanette Jules, responding to the Great Creator, grandparents.
You are in our hearts, our minds, our bodies, and our seniors, many of whom now live in seniors centers, and have experienced great suffering and pain. Be by their side.
The ceremony continued with speeches delivered by the community leader, Rosanne Casimir, and the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon. The interventions were punctuated by numerous performances of drums, songs, and traditional dance.
I will share your stories and the stories of these childrenpromised Mary Simon to several hundred people who gathered in the area reserved for pow-wows and community ceremonies.
In the middle of this area, people placed hundreds of presents on the lawn. They were later given to children in the community in honor of the children then.
” There are, in my native language, a word meaning “don’t give up” no matter how difficult. You did not give up. “
A mixed reception for Justin Trudeau
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived on the scene in the afternoon, the crowd sang a song suggesting Canada is entirely in First Nations lands and many expressed frustration with the government.
The leader of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, Rosanne Casimir, spoke quickly to ask the people to remain calm and polite: I thank the Prime Minister for being here today, because it is important. This represents a change. It is a meeting of one government with another.
I just want to thank the elders who came to receive me and hug mechained Justin Trudeau, who will not speak until later.
For anyone who experiences anger and hurt, I hear you too. […] I am committed to being the best possible partner on this journey you are going through, a journey that will take you to Canada.
Justin Trudeau then met Rosanne Casimir in private. The two returned to the stage to say a few words at the end of the ceremony.
Rosanne Casimir thanked all the participants, especially the Chiefs and Elders, for their remembrance of the fallen and the progress made in recognizing the past and reconciling over the past year.
What we commemorate today is a historic day in our journey, together, toward healing.she pointed out.
” This path requires real action, which requires steps – sometimes baby steps – toward reconciliation. It will take a lot of work, but there are already examples of progress and goodwill. “
We have been hurt by attacks on our language and culturehe added. We know these wounds, but we also know how to revive [notre langue et notre culture] and the world supports us in this process.
Faced with the crowd, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was again embarrassed. While saying she understood the anger some of her might feel, she asked them to respect the elders she had talked to and wanted to hear what she had to say.
All children deserve to be safe, all children deserve to be loved, because all children are importanthe insisted from the very beginning. This day is dedicated to children and healing.
Justin Trudeau stressed the importance of continue to honor children who never return residential schools and walks with the natives on the road to reconciliation.
He also recalled the federal government’s commitment to providing Aboriginals with services tailored to their cultures and their needs.
Some of you went to these so -called schools where the children never came backhe admitted afterwards.
” Some of you have been years without speaking, without thinking about this horrible and difficult time in your life because it was so painful, but you started telling stories to help the community heal. […] By remembering the children, we respect your courage. “
A discovery that is not surprising
What scientific investigations have confirmed is a fact that our survivors have always known. Too many children can’t go home. Now we need more answers and more surveyssaid Rosanne Casimir, earlier.
The year that has passed since the gruesome discovery has reopened a wound in the survivors, bringing back horrific memories, Chief Casimir said, requesting that the bearer of truth honor.
According to Neskonlith Indian Band Chief Judy Wilson, even after decades, members of her Nation still have difficulty approaching the former Kamloops residential school. I know we’ve talked a lot about politics: who apologizes, who doesn’t apologize. But we must focus on the survivorshe says.
Government members gather
Chief Casimir highlighted the presence of the Conservative MP for Kamloops, Frank Caputo, who made a statement in the House of Commons on Thursday, as well as the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller. He spoke about the continued support and cooperation of the region’s Catholic Bishop, Joseph Nguyen.
Minister Miller acknowledged that reconciliation remains a distant goal. We still have a lot to do to land under a disastrous reality that our nation originated, in a way. It takes recognition of that fact by people in roles like me.he said.
Minister Miller acknowledged that his government had promised to invest in creating a healing center in the community of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, but the shortage of health care workers delayed the project. We will work with our colleagues in the province. This is very frustrating.
Moments of relief even in meditation
The tone of the ceremonies is solemn, but there are moments of apathy. I want to make sure you’re still here! I want to hear your voices! said the case manager of The Estcwicwéy̓, the missing, Dave Manuel. The crowd responded by shouting loudly with assurance. Thankshe replied. I feel strength, and I feel love.
It’s nice to feel, isn’t it, that you can release those emotions? said Connie Leonard, a former band councilor, who was prominently moving while teaching a chant to people. We cannot forget suffering, but it does not refer to us and it does not refer to our children. Our children are here with us and spring has come again.
You don’t have to live with all the pain at once. We also live with the healing that has already taken place. And even without all the healing, we have the possibility to be supported by our loved onessaid Racelle Kooy, a member of the Samahquam community.
Mary Simon also wanted to find a note of hope.
” How hurt and sad I am, I can only end the conversation about hope. I hope that by caring for these areas and repeatedly telling these stories, understanding and respect will be found. “
To advance the grieving process
You have not had the opportunity to grieve, to find peace in your hearts. I hope today helps this process to continue. This will take timesaid Mary Simon.
Healing begins gently, slowly, and continues patiently. It follows its own path, leading us forward, but also in many directions.he added.
With information from Wildinette Paul, Julie Landry and Renee Filippone
Source: Radio-Canada
