Perhaps a page out of former Senator Lynn Byek’s misinformed bible?
To the Expositor:
Isn’t that tired, old, colonial narrative that Peter Best represents just a tad out of step with the realities of Indigenous Canadians in this century?
Is Best taking a page out of former Canadian senator, Lynn Byek’s racist, misinformed bible?
Embracing truth is something we all must do if we are to live harmoniously in this world.
The truth is residential schools were responsible for the abuse and death of thousands of Indigenous children.
The fact that people continue to talk about the positive influences of the residential school experience denies the present reality of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
Residential schools were not humanitarian projects as religious orders, that state officials and people like Mr. Best would have us believe.
The biggest barriers to a meaningful truth and reconciliation process for Canadians are the residential school experience deniers.
Protecting the guilty parties and the status quo is what Mr. Best is attempting to do in his letter to the editor.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report said Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples fits the definition of genocide, specifically how the residential school experience was a form of “cultural genocide.”
Our justice system has recognized the harms done to Indigenous Canadians in its implementation of the Gladue principals.
A judge considers the unique circumstances of Indigenous peoples, including the challenges of colonialism and family history and how Indigenous Canadians are affected by past trauma today.
The history of violence against Indigenous peoples in this country is nothing short of horrific.
Does Mr. Best not understand that children were torn away from their families, sexually, physically and emotionally abused, starved, trafficked to white families and provided with substandard education?
I am sure some Indigenous children who went to residential schools had the fortitude to rise above the abuse and become successful in their own right.
Kudos to them.
Mr. Best, an honest, factual view of the past makes for an honest, factual view of the future for Indigenous Canadians.
As a Canadian, I am appalled at Mr. Best’s views of residential schools and Indigenous peoples overall.
Thank you,
Sue Nielsen
Cobalt
