Big-hearted music: Two contemporary folk acts liven up Tidemark A&E A29
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Teachers thumb their noses at the government Fighting to save the B.C. education system, they say KRISTEN DOUGLAS CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR
Campbell River teachers put up “stick-it� lines early this week in a fight for what teachers say are their democratic rights. “We want to make sure the public understands this is not about getting money, it’s about saving a system that’s being destroyed right now,� said Jerry Horton, local representative of the Campbell River District Teachers Association, at the association’s general meeting Monday evening at Thunderbird Hall. Teachers across B.C. are fighting the provincial government for tabling legislation to end the contract dispute between the B.C. Teachers Federation, the government and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association and force teachers back to work. Teachers have been without a contract since June 2011. “The reality is it just doesn’t involve teachers,� said Neil Thompson, president of the local teachers association. “The reality is, it’s about protecting our Continued on A4
ALISTAIR TAYLOR/THE MIRROR
Tofino resident Marvin Curley is wrapped in a blanket after giving his testimony to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing in Campbell River Friday.
Reconciling residential school experiences ALISTAIR TAYLOR CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR
V
oices cracked with emotion. Tears flowed. But the heartwrenching stories were still told. Abuse was detailed using words like torture, sexual abuse, loneliness – sometimes healing. That came
later to some. An emotional two days of personal accounts told to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at Thunderbird Hall last week outlined the impact of residential schools on First Nations residents of the region. Often, the victims told their stories surrounded by fam-
ily and friends, making their presentations with the arms of loved ones wrapped around them. Frequently, presenters and people witnessing the presentations were overcome with emotion. They were often supported by commission representatives. Hugs were offered and accepted,
tissues were passed around. After each presentation, everyone in the hall applauded and stood. Family and friends frequently lined up to hug and console the person making the presentation. It was obviously a cathartic experience. Most expressed thanks for Continued on A3
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