Every Child Matters

It has been 4 days since the news broke about 215 tiny souls who were buried at one residential school in Kamloops, B.C. I am not surprised. And I know that they are not the only children who did not make it home from one of those horrific schools. Nor are they the only ones with an unmarked grave as their final resting place. Hundreds of thousands of children were torn from their families, their culture and values stripped away. Whether from disease or abuse, thousands never returned to their families. And of those who did return, their lives were forever changed.

My heart breaks for our indigenous brothers and sisters, and most especially for the families of those who lost their children. There are secrets hidden all across our country, crimes committed against innocents, and their families deserve the truth.

The atrocities committed by our ancestors against the indigenous communities far and wide are unbelievable and foster a lot of uncomfortable feelings of guilt and shame as a white Canadian. Not to mention the systemic racism engrained in our culture that continues to perpetuate the trauma. The lack of services and resources in our First Nations communities, the incredibly high suicide rates, and the lack of basic needs like CLEAN WATER in many communities is a absolutely ridiculous! We have failed to protect and nurture our First Nations communities, and something needs to change.

Our “beautiful” country was built on stolen land and has been sustained by broken promises (treaties). While nothing will ever change our history, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, prevent further harm, and be available to hold space for the healing of the First Nations peoples.

I am thankful that people are listening and asking questions. I see the orange shirts and the social media posts, I overhear the conversations that are happening. Awareness is the first step towards change.

I encourage you to be a part of the healing, be a part of the change. Educate yourself on the dark parts of Canadian history; the cultural genocide, the residential school system, The 50s Scoop, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), etc. Read books by indigenous authors - Seven Feathers by Tanya Talaga truly opened my eyes to recent tragedies in our northern First Nations communities.

The city of Sarnia is situated on the traditional lands of the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa First Nations. Together, these three nations created the Three Fires Confederacy. Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and Bkejwanong: Walpole First Nation - what do you know of these First Nations communities with whom we share our city? We are responsible for our own education. Only we can change the systemic racism plaguing our country. Let’s join with our First Nations communities in ensuring that no child is left behind.

If you are indigenous and you need help, the Hope for Wellness Support Line offers 24 hour, 7 day a week counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous people across Canada. They can be reached toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or you can chat online at hopeforwellness.ca.

#everychildmatters

#215children