Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist
Tuesday September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Because of our commitment to Right Relations and the United Church’s history with Residential Schools, our offices at both sites will be closed on that day to give an opportunity to reflect on this history and how we can live into right relations.
Some argue that this is ancient history, that WE weren’t part of this scheme and that WE ALL just need to move on. The problem with that thinking is that wrongs that were perpetrated in the past, still have an impact on the present. We all know that our indigenous siblings are grappling with the legacy of residential schools – the students that were mistreated and abused carry the trauma, which is unintendedly visited on the next generations. Real harm was caused by breaking the parent child relationship which has resulted in some of the child welfare problems experienced by indigenous people. Of course, there is systemic racism which also contributes to how first nations folks are treated in our government and social service organizations.
On the flipside, the benefits to settler peoples have been amplified, particularly in land ownership and control of policies for growth and expansion. The latest “Build Canada” programs and policies have been welcomed by some indigenous tribes, and resisted by others as they see both opportunity and peril. The promise to listen, to build with indigenous flourishing in mind is hopeful, but so many promises have never materialized.
This is the milieu in which we live. So it is important for us to take the time to remember, to lament the harm, and to build bridges so that everyone has a place at the table and a share in the bounty of Canada.
One way we do this, is with our observance of Orange Shirt Day (now the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.) From Wikipedia: “It originated from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. The day honors Residential School Survivors and lost children, promotes reconciliation, and calls for a deeper understanding of this painful history.”
Our Orange Shirt Day event is on Saturday, September 27th so everyone can attend. It will be an opportunity for us to engage with this history as a way of moving forward. We will engage in cultural appreciation with Metis Dot Art and a Bannock making demonstration. A simple meal of Bannock and stew will be shared (and I hear there is also cake! – Gluten free options also available.) We will remember and reflect with ceremony lead by Rev. Tony Snow and Rev. Cindy Christie-Brooks. Then we will welcome Shane Ghostkeeper, a Metis musician and storyteller to share his music with us. He will also share two short films created by his partner, Sarah Houle, which gives some insight into their lives and experience.
This is an event for the whole family – a way to pause, to reflect, to learn, to lament and to celebrate. Please come out and bring as many folks as you can! Sign up if possible so we have an idea of numbers.
For reconciliation to be possible, we have to come together in Truth.
And don’t forget to wear Orange!
Learn more about the Sept 27th event at Red Deer Lake
Learn more about the Right Relations work at McDougall.