Following Canada’s first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, I’d like to share my thoughts on residential schools, education, and healing.
Over the last few months, as the bodies of hundreds of children have been discovered near residential schools in western Canada and I’m sure more will be discovered as other school lands are surveyed, I have had a number of inquiries from well-educated friends who want to know more about the residential school system.
One question I was asked more than once, was: “Were there some good things that came out of the residential schools?”
2 Comments
BOB HALL
Good article Glenn. There is a story of shame in Canada that is for sure. The bigger story is the story you tell of change, growth, and hope. I have worked my entire life in extractive industries.and therefore have had a lot of contact with Native communities in Canada’s west and north. I know many communities do not have the opportunities you and I enjoyed due to location. My community interactions have always been positive and the place I see issues is in the inner cities. Slowly these are being addressed through growth and education opportunities. Like many leadership opportunities it is those that are genuine that make the true difference. I have great confidence in the future of Canada and Native persons provided the politicians ‘set the table’ and then get out of the way.
glenn nolan
Hi Bob, our collective history must be understood for all us to make a a difference for the better for future generations. meegwetch