Dealing with deep trauma
This isn’t a newsletter issue but more of an acknowledgement. In the form of a day of mourning.
An acknowledgement of a deep trauma, and horrific crimes, carried out by the Canadian state and the Catholic Church.
Authorities in Canada uncovered the remains of 215 children, some as young as 3 years old, at the site of a former residential school for indigenous students https://t.co/0iQYXrNTz0 pic.twitter.com/OefdQoufyn
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 29, 2021
This isn’t an isolated event, but part of a larger and systemic narrative. One that as a society we’re coming to terms with, but also arguably only just beginning.
This is just one hidden grave. The truth will come out. Care to everyone hurting today. We know the truth. We know how many didn’t come home. We know the excuses and lies. The numbers the public are given are the numbers recorded by the perpetrators. The truth will come out. https://t.co/ExVejVFsEn
— tanya tagaq (@tagaq) May 28, 2021
While I have my own reasons to be overly emotional at the moment, I can’t think about this without crying. There is a deep grief, and an open wound here that cannot just be processed along with other news stories.
A normal country would declare several days of mourning after a mass grave of children was discovered.
— Nora Loreto (@NoLore) May 29, 2021
There is something to be said about the value of collective mourning and shared grief. Of feeling the pain and loss together so that we learn from those emotions, and they bring us closer.
Without that we’re left to reflect on our own, and in our own communities.
This is all so triggering.
Knowing how close our family has come to this same fate. Knowing that there are countless relatives that I’ll never know, because somewhere along the line, someone found it too painful to remember their name and their story.
— audri: she/they (@kloqowej) May 29, 2021
As Canadians we have an opportunity and an obligation to learn more about our society and how it came to be. Especially the history of residential schools.
My hope is the discussions on residential schools continue on and survivors and families have support as they continue to process their grief in the best way possible without doing more harm. The affects grasp us everyday.
— James Delorme (he / him) (@James_ADelorme) May 30, 2021
Learn about the past research done by the #TRC and what the NCTR continues to do to find all the children who never returned home from Residential School. https://t.co/UVDztEEb4D https://t.co/TJtZLQDfpq pic.twitter.com/fbiCfF03SR
— NCTR (@NCTR_UM) May 30, 2021
As North Americans we have an opportunity and obligation to learn the history of civilizations that predate European colonialization.
Long past time for churches and governments to account for genocide and to support First Nations to locate and bring our children home. #genocide #215children #residentialschools #massgraves #humanrights #justice #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/lfwOrRKhId
— Pam Palmater (@Pam_Palmater) May 30, 2021
In particular cultures and politics that still exist, and have much to offer our future.
It is a mistake to believe that indigenous culture and society is in the past, when in spite of attempted genocide, in spite of the horror that was the residential schools, indigenous peoples and cultures continue.
This is a good moment to listen to their stories, appreciate their pain, and share in their grief.