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Friday, March 16, 2012
Andrew Leong
Residential school survivor Raymond (Tony) Charlie of the Penelakut shares his story during the statement-gathering session as the Speaking Our Truth event got underway Thursday morning at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre.
Truth and reconciliation opens with tears and courage Celina Albany
News Leader Pictorial
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s the opening prayer called for recognition of those who have gone through life coping with the results of residential schooling, the room ¿lled with solemn faces. The ¿rst day of the Truth and Reconciliation conference commenced at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre yesterday morning in a room full of those confronting this unparalleled disgrace from Canada’s past. “I understand it is an injustice to condense years and years of what took place in those schools to 15 minutes,” said event speaker Chuck Seymour as he made the opening statement for the regional open house. Following Seymour, Cowichan member Betty Charlie led a traditional and sombre prayer in the Hul’qumi’num language.
Bearing witness: Cowichan-area residential school survivors begin two days of sharing their story with the community
Her words of consecration reverberated through the room, culling tears from some, while others provided retrospect on part of Canada’s tumultuous past. The crowd: Aboriginal and non-Aboriginals; elderly and young; residential school survivors; advocates for reconciliation; and those just wanting to learn more about a grave antecedent. This gathering took a different approach than previous events. It is designed to educate using the words of those brave enough to vocalize their ¿rsthand experience with the seemingly ever-ominous controlling ¿gures of their past. The general consensus was it is time to come to terms with the past and begin the healing process through sharing and understanding. “I think by sharing their deepest and darkest
experiences we will get something good out of this,” said Philomena Alphonse, three-time chief of Cowichan. “We didn’t know what to expect, but this is what I hoped for today. We invited everyone here to come and observe.” It is important for survivors to speak about their suppressed feelings and for others to listen, according to Alphonse, who is not a residential school survivor, but is a cultural advisor. “It’s not always easy to talk about or even listen to these stories,” said Chief Harvey Alphonse. “Today you will witness the true history of what happened to our people...we’re here to give a hand out to those in need.” Philomena Alphonse was in full agreement with the current chief.
“This is only the beginning. Now is the right time for this event. Cowichan is going to regroup next week to see how to make the energy more positive for everyone.” To achieve the goals laid out in planning the event, Cowichan chose to send Councillor Cindy Daniels to other territories that held regional conferences to observe and take note as their events unravelled. Everyone who spoke expressed how this event was separate from past platforms about residential school abuse. “It’s about being open with the experiences, the violence, the abuse,” said Alphonse as Raymond (Tony) Charlie gave vivid and person statements about encounters with his abusers. “Their personal journeys will help us move forward.” The second and ¿nal day of reconciliation is on March 16, 9 to 4 p.m. The provincial conference will take place next month in Victoria.
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