Reconciliation

30 October 2015Olamide O, Privett ‘18

I thought hearing from the great “White Hatter” was going to be the highlight of my Tuesday, but only minutes after his speech to the 10th graders did I discover that my Social Studies class was to report to the McNeill Centre to hear yet another talk. My first thoughts were, “Oh no. Not another one” but by the time it was over, I was so glad I went to the speech. I walked into the room and was shocked to see that the speaker was on a huge screen rather than in person. Michael Etherington is from the James Bay Swampy Cree First Nation, and his topic was about the First Nations of Canada, how they’ve been mistreated, and most importantly, how reconciliation between First Nations and their debtors can be achieved. Mr. Etherington touched on many points including the poverty and opportunity gap between First Nations and other Canadians (via a very effective demonstration using students), attempted Aboriginal assimilation, and Residential Schools. A number of statistics and explanations were shared throughout the speech, but one story really stuck with me. Mr. Etherington great, great aunt is 110 (yes, 110 years old) and the oldest surviving Residential School survivor. When the media interviewed her on achieving such a feat, she was asked what the key to her longevity was and she answered, “Forgiveness.” Forgiveness is what allows us to move on in life, to move past struggles and situations, even though it may be difficult. Forgiveness is the first step towards reconciliation. After that, there’s nowhere to go but up. It is important to recognize that every Residential School survivor has a different healing journey. With the recent election, now is the time for Prime Minister Trudeau and the Canadian Government to take a careful look at and act upon the 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, so that we can move forward together as a country. Olamide O, Privett ‘18

For more on Mr. Etherington, please see
http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Mike-Etherington/2074994536

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