Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received a strong and stern reception on Monday during his attendance at a memorial day for a day commemorating a year since the detection of graves believed to contain the remains of hundreds of children at a former residential school in Kamloops, BC.
Trudeau was followed by a large group of memory attendees who sang and played drums as he stopped in the stands, talking face to face with people and often exchanging hugs with others.
“We have so much more to do,” Trudeau heard an elderly woman talk to him and hug him.
Others seemed unkind, chanting, “Canada is all Indian land,” and “We don’t need your Constitution.”
Trudeau told the crowd that he felt his concerns.
2:19 Splatsin Residential School Survivors Reflect on the Anniversary of the Discovery of Kamloops Tomb Splatsin Residential School Survivors Reflect on the Anniversary of the Discovery of Kamloops Tomb
Earlier Monday, Gov. Mary Simon told the crowd that the atrocities, death, loss and silence of residential schools that indigenous peoples have known for so long are now known to all.
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“It is unimaginable that a place of learning would be so cruel. It is inexcusable that people could commit these atrocities or that people could be silent as they were committed, “he said.
One year ago, the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation announced that the graves were detected by ground penetration radar at the site of the former Indian residential school in Kamloops.
They are believed to contain the remains of up to 215 children who died at school, a finding that led to the discovery of hundreds of other similar sites across the country and triggered a national account of the past and present relationship of the school. Canada with Indigenous Peoples.
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Simon said that while the unmarked graves of children found around Canada’s residential schools have been called a discovery, for survivors it is the confirmation of First Nations experiences and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
“It shouldn’t have taken that long, but eventually people know it,” Simon said. “And knowledge has transformed this community. People have made the pilgrimage here to show their respect, to say they are sorry, to show their support. “
Simon, who is the first Indigenous person in Canada to serve as governor general, said many members of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc have not had time to mourn and hope Monday’s event can contribute to their healing process. .
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“We cry with you. We are with you. We believe you,” he said.
The head of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc or Kukpi7, Rosanne Casimir, told the crowd at the memorial that she hopes last year’s events will lead to the reconciliation of indigenous peoples.
“Non-indigenous people now want to know the real hidden history of this country. We know that’s a good thing. Those conversations, no matter how hard, will lead to steps we all need to take towards our collective history.”
2:19 Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc marks one year since unmarked graves were rediscovered Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc marks one year since unmarked graves were rediscovered
Casimir was part of the delegation to the Vatican where the Pope apologized last month for the role of the Catholic Church in Canada’s residential center system.
Although she said she was disappointed that the Pope would not come to Kamloops during a visit scheduled for July, she was happy to meet with other Indigenous peoples in Canada.
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Pope Francis will make stops in Edmonton, Quebec and Iqaluit during his visit.
Trudeau also saw a traditional dance performance and participated Monday in a closed meeting with Casimir and members of his board.
The Prime Minister also attended the memorial closing ceremonies and then spoke to the media.
Read more: Tribute to Le Estcwicwéy̓: BC First Nation celebrates 1 year since 215 unmarked tombs
He faced widespread criticism last September when he failed to attend national reconciliation day ceremonies in Kamloops.
Kamloops School survivor John Jules said Monday’s memorial was an inspiring event. Jules took part in a dance where he walked around the pow wow field with hundreds of people, young and old.
“It’s exciting to have all of our people together,” he said. “It brings healing to our people.”
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