Dear Friends,
Welcome to worship for Sunday, September 25, 2022.
This coming Friday, September 30, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is more commonly known as Orange Shirt Day to honour the story of Phyllis Webstad who brought a new orange t-shirt to her Residential School in 1973 when she was six years old only to have it taken from her. Phyllis’ story is but an entrance into the history and legacy of the Residential School System in Canada and a reminder of our collective responsibility to work for reconciliation today.
Much debate seems to focus on whether or not September 30 should be a holiday. Currently it is in some provinces and for some employees but there is no consensus across the country. To be honest, I am less concerned about making the day a statutory holiday than I am about retaining it for it’s expressed purpose. I would prefer to see children remain in schools on September 30 and use the day to increase awareness and action for Truth and Reconciliation.
What I thought I might do for our community is share a list of a few resources that I have found to be of value in my journey of growing in understanding. Please know that this is entirely personal. This is not an exhaustive list. Nor is it an authoritative one. It is just a few things that I have found helpful and think that you, my cherished community, might find as well.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action – the 94 Calls to Action are relatively short but can be overwhelming when read all at once. There is value in reading a few at a time and reflecting on them. Some are quite simple, some of profoundly difficult, some have been attained, while some are far from complete. But together the calls help us understand what we are hoping for when we speak of reconciliation. The calls are readily available online or by contacting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation which is right here in Winnipeg.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – Like the Calls to Action the UN Declaration is worth reading as it put the struggle of Indigenous People in a broader perspective. And like the calls it is a list (44 articles) which may be better understood a few at a time.
“The Truth About Stories” by Thomas King – King’s 2003 Massey Lectures are an excellent primer for understanding an Indigenous view of the world. Of course, he is the author of many other books including the bestselling “The Inconvenient Indian” but if re-considering Canadian history is new or difficult for you, “The Truth About Stories” is a good place to start.
“The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World” by Wade Davis – This is another Massey lecture book (2009). Davis is actually an ethnobotanist and “The Wayfinders” is not about specifically Canada’s Indigenous People nor about Residential Schools at all. But Davis is a brilliant storyteller and helps the reader open their mind to different ways of being in the world. I can’t think of anyone who has helped me think more about the assumptions we make based on our own particular worldview and how other worldviews exist in a manner to help us all. Also available as a podcast. “Indian Horse” by Richard Wagamese – I have not read Richard Wagamese’s other books though I understand from a friend that his poetry is compelling.
“Indian Horse” is the story of a young boy sent to Residential School who discovers a gift for playing hockey. It might have been a means of escape but his experiences of abuse will not be left behind so easily. It is a heartbreaking story that illustrates not only what happened to some children, but how those experiences affected their lives in adulthood. Also available as a movie but warning, scenes of child abuse are very difficult to watch.
“We Were Children” – this a National Film Board movie that tackles what many children experienced in Residential Schools through the story of two young children. The film has much disturbing content and is not recommended for those under 16. Even for adults it is perhaps best watched in a group setting where discussion can follow. Nothing has opened my eyes about Residential Schools more than this film. Available on CBC Gem
“Where the Spirit Lives” – This CBC movie is older (1989) than “We Were Children” and while it tells a similar story it may be more accessible given when it was made. It is also about a girl sent to Residential School and while a heartbreaking tale, it also shows the resistance and resilience of the children and their communities. Available on YouTube.
“Secret Path” – This is an album and graphic novel by Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie and illustrator Jeff Lemire which tells the true story of Chanie (Charlie) Wenjack, a 12 year old boy who died in 1966 while trying to return home from a Residential School.
As is often the case, the story of a single person affected helps us put into context a history that took place on such a wide scale. As I said there are just a few things that I have accessed over the years. What I find helpful may not be so for you. I am always interested in hearing what you have seen and read as together we live and work for a new day.
Grace and peace, Michael
