{"id":21084,"date":"2019-08-13T11:42:50","date_gmt":"2019-08-13T15:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ccpa-accp.ca\/?p=21084"},"modified":"2019-08-13T11:42:50","modified_gmt":"2019-08-13T15:42:50","slug":"indigenous-history-towards-honouring-and-healing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ccpa-accp.ca\/fr\/indigenous-history-towards-honouring-and-healing\/","title":{"rendered":"Indigenous History – Towards Honouring and Healing"},"content":{"rendered":"

In recent times, we see more and more reflection on culture, diversity and our history in Canada. I think we all talk a lot about cultural celebration and respecting all religions and cultures, but how do we translate talk into action? How can we not just \u201ctalk diversity\u201d but move to true \u201cinclusiveness\u201d? Diversity focuses on differences whereas, inclusiveness intentionally welcomes\u00a0 and celebrates diversity. Canada is diverse but we need to really focus on inclusiveness to thrive as a community. \u00a0In very simple terms, diversity is who we are whereas inclusiveness is what we do.<\/p>\n

In my opinion, cultural appreciation has to start by acknowledging our collective Canadian history and the experiences (good and bad) of all our people, children and families. In saying that, we must honor our Indigenous history and the lived experiences that have created much inherent fallout for mental health as well. This is the first step in any commitment to moving forward toward reconciliation and true support.<\/p>\n

So how do we do this? Again, the psychologist and thinker in me, sees the first step as being to feel and immerse ourselves as much as possible by listening, reading, watching and discussing those experiences with those who \u201chold that history\u201d. That has been one of my goals over the last year: to take time and reflect, participate and hopefully, understand a little better the rich culture but also the many shameful parts of our history. We all own a part in these stories of Indigenous children and families and of all Canadians who allowed this narrative to occur.<\/p>\n

The following are just a few of the amazing connections I have made over the last year to better feel and understand these issues. As often is the case, music touched me. The artistry of the seven young women of Eastern Owl in the song \u201cBaby\u201d transports you to the days of Residential Schools. Give it, and their full album Qama\u2019si \u2013 \u201ca call to action\u201d a listen by click the image below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u201cBaby” by Eastern Owl is a tribute to survivors of the Canadian Residential School System, and their families. It features the word “baby” in the three Indigenous languages of Newfoundland and Labrador.<\/p>\n

As indicated in the YouTube description, \u201cfor more information on residential schools and their devastating impact on generations of people, please speak to Indigenous people in your community, or contact the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada at http:\/\/www.trc.ca\/resources.html<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

I then decided to get out there and attend various events, like the Sunrise Ceremony in Bannerman Park, St. John\u2019s NL to celebrate the Summer Solstice with prayers, drumming, singing, a \u201csmudging\u201d ceremony as well as the prayers, giving and laying of tobacco on a monument to Shanawdithit, the last Beothuk in NL to mark her death in 1829. The prayers, songs and \u201csmudging\u201d ceremonies themselves were open, inviting, family oriented but also very somber and respectful of hurt that accompanies such history. In the \u201csmudging\u201d ceremonies, healing is offered to all those needing it, in any way. It was very moving, beautiful, and absolutely inclusive.<\/p>\n

It is vital to speak and listen to those who have experienced these unique stories such as life in residential schools. To listen to Inuk Elder Emma Reelis speaking and giving prayers at events such as ceremonies that honour Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women is truly amazing. Personally, having a first cousin murdered, these words are heartbreaking but it is reality and these are stories that have to be told and stories that must be truly heard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Emma Reelis, an Inuk elder is starting the #InHerName<\/a> vigil for #MMIW<\/a> #MMWNL<\/a> with a prayer. pic.twitter.com\/mlD8MmQrGe<\/a><\/p>\n

— St. John's Status of Women Council (@SJSWCouncil) October 13, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n