The healing has started. Across the country there are many First Nation Peoples talking about the Canadian apology. So many lives were stolen, many tribes weakened, and many languages lost. I remember watching movies about WW II and how Jewish families were separated in lines going into concentration camps and the screams of young children grabbing and kicking for their mothers. This image remains with me. It is the same image I see when I hear about children being separated from their families and tribes to be assimilated into Canadian culture.
As a mother of three children, I can’t even imagine the terrible circumstances caused by assimilation. In my life I have witnessed firsthand the hardships of addictions, Aboriginal adoption, the fallout between family members, and the struggle to read and write. These are just a few of the issues that members of some Aboriginal families deal with on a daily basis only to be further complicated by poverty, two governments, and lack of resources.
As a Canadian with Irish and other European roots, I am always trying to learn about my heritage, to better understand the people and events that shaped my family, our communities and our society. Even though I didn’t personally decide to implement the assimilation, my skin and roots are permanent reminders of the people who isolated Aboriginal people on poor land; took away their children, culture, language and traditions; and ultimately, governed them into dependency. Because I recognize this and endeavor to break barriers between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Peoples, I want to apologize for this cruelty and begin the healing. From my perspective there should be no division between me and them, yet a barrier still exists until WE become friends.
During my graduate degree I learned about health and education in rural and remote areas, specifically First Nations bands. My understanding and experience led me to a learning circle hosted by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition – Atlantic. This gathering brought together several members of Aboriginal Peoples from around the world. Being part of the circle resonated with my spirit to contribute my talents to improve education opportunities in First Nations communities. I met Ann Pohl during the gathering, and then reconnected with her after reading BBRC’s “116 Neighborhood” report (Focus on Change – Open Space 116: The 116 Neighbourhood Youth and Community Program Needs Study). Another report written by Ann Pohl was Learning About Walking in Beauty: Placing Aboriginal Perspectives in the Canadian Classroom . Both reports were highly praised by Dr. Marie Battiste, a Mi’kmaq educator from Potlo’tek First Nations. She is Academic Director, Aboriginal Education Research Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. Ann Pohl and Dr. Battiste are improving their communities and WE can do more.
Ultimately, WE must work together to respect the languages, cultures, and traditions; to allow more independent governance of Aboriginal laws; and to establish permanent and sustainable social, economic, and education resources for community development. Nurturing and encouraging positive action through home grown talents will improve our communities over time. There is much to do. It will take generations of correcting many mistakes and returning self-esteem and self-reliance to many First Nation Peoples…new beginnings are upon us.
Check out…
Dances with Dependency by Calvin Helin – http://www.spiritorca.com/
Truth and Reconciliation by CBC – http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/truth-reconciliation/
Stef
