52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing - Week 38

Week 38 –  Make Time for Quiet Reflection from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing

This week, we are invited to visit the site of a residential school. Very few of the original buildings remain, but the land will always be there. Stand on the site, look out over the land, reflect on its history, and imagine the children who were once there.

Sometimes, the important work of Right Relations happens quietly. It can be a time of reflection, learning, and, at times, emotional work.

Being present on these locations can be powerful. Take some time to learn about the history of residential schools in your area. Wear your orange shirt on Orange Shirt Day. Most importantly, take the time to listen, learn, and remember.

Don’t know where to begin? Here is a list of residential school sites in and around the Calgary area to help get you started:

• Sarcee (St. Barnabas) Residential School was located in the Calgary area on the Tsuut'ina Nation (formerly Sarcee) Reserve on the southwest outskirts of the city. It operated from 1892–1921.

• St. Joseph’s (Dunbow) Industrial School was located near High River, south of Calgary. It operated from 1884–1922.

• Old Sun Residential School was located on the Siksika Nation near Gleichen, east of Calgary. It operated from 1929–1971 and is now the site of Old Sun Community College.

• Crowfoot (St. Joseph’s) Residential School was located near Cluny on the Siksika Nation. It operated from 1900–1968.

• Morley (Stony) Residential School was located at Morley on the Stoney Nakoda Reserve, west of Calgary.

I encourage you to visit one of these sites, if you are able, and take some time to stand on the land and take in the moment. A short road trip can become an opportunity to pause, reflect, learn, and remember.

Jennifer Aldous

Want to read last weeks post, you can do so here.