M’CHIGEENG—The Noojmowin Teg Health Centre hosted a two-day Residential School Survivor Summit at the Cultural Complex in M’Chigeeng, dedicated to sharing experiences and promoting healing among residential school survivors. Organized by Rob Brown and catered by Pam Roy, the event brought together a range of speakers to address traditional teachings, trauma recovery and intergenerational healing.
Darren McGregor emceed the summit, which opened with heartfelt remarks by Debbie Francis. Presenters included Josh Eshkawkogan, who shared traditional teachings; Will Morin, who introduced the Anishinabek Healing Model of Grief and Loss; and Teresa March, who discussed trauma and healing.
On the second day, Perry and Laurie McLeod-Shabogesic spoke on Mino Bimaadiziwin—the concept of living a good life. Anne Solomon shared her personal experiences of residential school and her journey of healing through art. Dan Garcia, a registered social worker with over 24 years of experience, provided insights into intergenerational trauma and the healing process. Mr. Garcia emphasized the importance of truth and reconciliation, noting that while the truth is being acknowledged, the reconciliation process is still in its early stages.
“Truth and reconciliation—we are in the ‘truth’ part of that process, but I don’t think the reconciliation aspect has really picked up yet,” Mr. Garcia said. “We need to heal and grow together and prosper together. There is a big imbalance in the relationship between First Nations and settlers. There is a lot to be worked out, and I am just a helper in that whole process.”
Mr. Garcia highlighted the significance of community support in the journey toward reconciliation.
“Having allies and support to speak to the truth of history and the relationship and the imbalance is really amazing. I have been helped by people, Indigenous and settler alike, who are supportive and also speak up about these things we have been saying for generations. It gives me hope that things can change for the better for everybody,” he emphasized.
The keynote speaker was Nathaniel Arcand, a Canadian actor known for his roles in ‘North of 60’ and ‘Heartland.’ Mr. Arcand, a Plains Cree from the Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, stressed the necessity of ongoing events recognizing residential school survivors.
“It’s important that we continue to heal,” Mr. Arcand said. “The more that we can live here together in a good way, it’s about acknowledging that this is native land and that this was originally here for us to share in the first place. We had no concept of ownership of the land, so it hurts to see a lot of the developments, mines and other things that are harming the land going up everywhere. This concept of stewardship of the land, this is an Indigenous concept and we need to be focussing on teaching our youth about real skills, not living off the land but living with the land,” the actor said passionately.
The Legacy of Indian Residential Schools in Canada
Indian residential schools in Canada, established in the 19th century, aimed to assimilate Indigenous children by removing them from their families and communities. These schools, funded by the government and run by religious organizations, were notorious for their harsh conditions and the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse inflicted on students. An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend these schools, with thousands never returning home.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which operated from 2008 to 2015, documented the widespread abuse and neglect at these institutions. The TRC’s final report included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation in Canada.
The impact of residential schools continues to be felt through intergenerational trauma, affecting the mental, emotional, and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities. Events like the Residential School Survivor Summit play a crucial role in addressing these lasting effects and promoting healing.
The summit underscored the need for continued education, support, and collaborative efforts to heal from the past and build a more inclusive and respectful future. With contributions from survivors and community leaders, the journey towards reconciliation and healing is ongoing, striving to honour the experiences of those affected by residential schools and to create a society where Indigenous cultures are respected and celebrated.
