OAK BAYNEWS Searching the deep
Get steamed
Cadboro Bay holds mystery for explorers of local shipwrecks.
Interactive affair invites tinkerers, milliners and artisans back to the future. Entertainment, Page A12
News, Page A7 Friday, April 13, 2012
BeauƟful Homes in Great LocaƟons! 250-516-9230
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Residential school survivors tell their truths Roszan Holmen News staff
Up to 3,000 people are expected to participate in a Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada event at the Victoria Conference Centre beginning today (April 13). The public can attend the two-day event, which is mandated, in part, to inform Canadians about what happened during the nearly 150-year history of residential schools. This understanding aims to guide and inspire a process of reconciliation and renewed relationship, according to the terms of the commission. Since Feb. 27, the national commission has been working its way down Vancouver Island, holding smaller hear1880s: Federal ings in Port Hardy, Campgovernment formally bell River, Port Alberni and embraces residential Cowichan. school model for In the days leading up to aboriginal education the larger regional event in 1996: Last residential Victoria, aboriginal groups school closes were preparing to support 150,000: The number their members emotionally of First Nations, Métis through the process. and Inuit children “The impact of those placed in residential schools is felt today,” said schools Bruce Parisian, executive 80,000: Former director of the Victoria students living today Native Friendship Centre. “Many people who come to programs and services in this organization know about it and are prepared to go and tell their stories. People have to get those stories out so they can move on with life and let the healing process continue.” The event is also an opportunity to document what’s happened across the country, he said. The commission was established with a $60-million budget. It is one part of the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which resulted from a class-action lawsuit launched by former residential school students. Students, their families and people who taught at the schools are invited to share their experiences this weekend in Victoria. For more details or to register, visit www.trc.ca. On Page A6, the News offers the perspective of one Tahltan Nation artist. rholmen@vicnews.com
At a glance
Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Splish, splash A seal makes a big splash begging for food at the Oak Bay Marina. Seals are often found at the marina trying to charm kind hearted visitors into buying them fish, available in the gift shop.