Truth and Reconciliation Commission - National Event in Winnipeg, June 16-19th 2010
Printer-friendly versionThe Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created to talk about all of the experiences and impacts of the residential schools, and the path to respect and reconciliation. One of the ways in which the TRC will fulfill their mandate is through national events on Indian Residential Schools. The first event is scheduled at The Forks in Winnipeg on June 16-19, 2010. The event is public, and survivors may register in advance at www.trc.ca. Participants will include survivors and their families, government officials, Church officials, and the public.
From the TRC website: “In Winnipeg, the floor will be given to survivors, intergenerational survivors, their families, former staff, government officials and others affected by Residential Schools to share their experiences, safe in the knowledge that everything they say will be recorded, honoured and preserved. The statements gathered at the event will hold their rightful place in the history of this country. In addition, survivors and their families will be able to celebrate their respective cultures and the resiliency that has brought them through the painful experiences of the past.
“At the National Event in Winnipeg, those wishing to share their experiences with the TRC will have the opportunity to give a statement in the Statement Gathering area. This area, centered at the Inn at the Forks, will have over 25 private and confidential statement gathering rooms where people who wish to have their history recorded will have the option to have their statement video recorded or audio recorded.”
The TRC has developed its daily program which includes: traditional healing and meditative practices, music by Buffy Ste. Marie and other well-known indigenous artists, Inuit throat singers, readings by indigenous authors, and speeches from the Commissioners and the Survivors Committee. The TRC’s program will start with the lighting of the Sacred Fire, and will conclude with a traditional pow wow. For more detail, please see the TRC daily program on their website.
The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada (FNIHB) will provide mental health supports for all participants at TRC national events, led by the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. The Health Supports Team of about 385 people will be highly visible with blue and yellow vests. Health supports will actively approach individuals who seem to be in distress, available in stations across the venue of the Forks, and in all the tents in which TRC activities are taking place. Health Supports will be available 24 hours a day during the National Event. The Health Team “village” will be located on-site with tents for cultural support, emotional support and professional counselling. The Health Team will also have a coordination centre that will direct activities and support the Health Team members.
If you need help now, please ask for help from your family or friends, or call the Residential School Survivors National Crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.
