Peterborough Examiner Referrer

It’s a hard road toward reconciliation

JANIS MONTURE JANIS MONTURE IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WOODLAND CULTURAL CENTRE, DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION AND CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE, CULTURE AND HERITAGE.

Last year, Sept. 30 was proclaimed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Prior to this, many Indigenous communities celebrated Sept. 30 as Orange Shirt Day, in recognition of student Phyllis Webstad. Her brand-new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day of attending St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C.

The enforced assimilation policy of the residential school system is just one example of the incredible harm First Nations peoples experienced during hundreds of years of interacting with a colonizing society that neither understood nor respected Indigenous culture.

The attempt to eradicate Indigenous people, language and culture is the truth of history.

But the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples need not be forever bound by that painful past.

There is a path toward reconciliation. It is not an easy road, and it won’t happen quickly, but it is possible.

Reconciliation begins with the recognition of the tremendous pain and damage caused by the policies — including that of the residential school system — enacted and perpetuated by the state, church and other institutions.

Reconciliation also requires acknowledgment of the ongoing intergenerational trauma experienced by survivors of those systems.

These institutions and organizations are slowly apologizing for the damage they caused. And now, after the apologies, comes the time for them to address the painful consequences of hundreds of years of an injurious history.

But institutions are made up of individual people. True reconciliation, the kind of healing that is deep and meaningful, requires an understanding and appreciation of each other. It creates the bonds that will lead organically to broader, societal changes.

For us at the Woodland Cultural Centre, located on Six Nations of the Grand River territory in Brantford, we are seeing a desire among non-Indigenous peoples to learn and understand the history and culture of the Ogweho:weh (original or real people) of Turtle Island. That includes not just the history and legacy of residential schools — such as the Mohawk Institute Residential School, which is part of the centre — but the broader scope of Indigenous history and culture.

What does all this mean for marking Sept. 30?

On one hand, National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a sombre event that recognizes the legacy of Indian residential schools in Canada and honours the survivors — and the children who never made it home. As such, our centre will close that day to host a private event for survivors of the Mohawk Institute.

But the day can also be a catalyst for all Canadians to learn about the peoples who have lived here for millennia.

Woodland and other Indigenous cultural centres offer tours, workshops, art exhibits and other activities throughout the month to share the rich history and culture of local Indigenous communities. I encourage you to participate in these opportunities.

In the Hodinohsho:ni language, there is a saying that translates to This is a good path; keep your mind strong.

Although the origin of that phrase dates back centuries, it speaks well to the ongoing efforts of finding Truth and promoting Reconciliation.

It is a reminder that Sept. 30 shouldn’t be the only day to consider the call to recognition and healing — it is something that can be done every day.

OPINION

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2022-09-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

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