Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

By Isaac White.

On September 30, the world observed the Day for Truth and Reconciliation, dedicating time to learn, recognize, and reflect upon the history and enduring impacts of residential schools. This day underscores the collective trauma experienced by many, fostering hopes for a harmonious future. It emphasizes the continual necessity for reconciliation, cultivating, and fortifying relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

This day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, when people don orange attire to acknowledge the persistent intergenerational impacts of residential schools and to affirm that "Every Child Matters." The orange shirt epitomizes the loss of culture, self-worth, and liberty experienced by Indigenous children across generations.

A commemorative event was organized at Lamoureux Park in Cornwall, where several Akwesasronon shared their poignant experiences of being coerced into residential schools. Some speakers highlighted that Akwesasne students were the first to be expelled, forbidden to return. The somber narratives of abuse and cruelty resonated deeply with the audience, leaving many visibly distressed.

Rick Oakes, Director of Ahkwesahsronon Shonatatenron discussed the resilience inherent in Mohawk people and how elders always believed that the truth would surface. He emphasized how, until the revelation at Kamloops, the magnitude and scale of the atrocities remained obscured. The growing number of unearthed children's remains is a testament to the concealed horrors of the residential schools.

Oakes also spoke on what he sees as his personal responsibility, as well as that of Akwesasronon and Onkwehonwe in the fight for Truth and Reconciliation.

"I believe that our biggest responsibility is finding the children who never returned from residential school. Our responsibility is to locate and send them home because they are waiting. Once we locate, we follow our traditional teachings, and we send them home. That is my purpose in working in this organization."

Doug George, Akwesasronon, revealed his experiences, marked by abuse and brutality, after being abducted from Akwesasne at 11 years old. Despite the somber nature of the experiences, there was a distinct resilience in his voice, refusing to let his painful past define his future. George attributed the responsibility for the atrocities to Canada, the Catholic Church, and all those involved in operating the schools.

Doug George, "As a survivor of the notorious Mohawk Institute I am grateful for the concerns expressed to me by not only Akwesasronon but our friends across the river. They understood the importance of family and the pain which comes from having that sacred circle broken."

He criticized the City of Cornwall for being complicit in separating children from their families, asserting that the city and its lands belong to Akwesasne territory. He articulated his thoughts with measured yet potent words, focusing not just on the grim past but also on inspiration for the future.

George stressed the importance of unity within Akwesasne and peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities, providing valuable insight for shaping Akwesasne's future strategies. He shared words on the essential nature of unifying Akwesasne, by identifying and acknowledging the trauma passed from generation to generation. George also identified the tools required to heal from this are already within the possession of the people of Akwesasne.

"I have seen how critical the residential school trauma is to our Mohawk history. I also see this as a unifying issue given that there is no one at Akwesasne unaffected by the taking of the children but if we join together to use our ancestral rituals of condolence, we can effect healing for all. Our mission is to identify every child removed from their families, tell their life stories and, for the missing, return them to the embrace of their people."

A poignant banner with handprints signifying the children lost.

This solemn day of reflection served as a poignant reminder of the trauma and suffering endured by Indigenous children. It brings to light the crucial necessity for ongoing efforts in truth, reconciliation, and constructive dialogue to mend the fractured relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. While the revelations have been heartbreaking, the collective will for acknowledgment, remorse, and repair fosters hope for a more inclusive and harmonious future.

The struggle for justice and remembrance is exemplified by the sea of orange shirts across the world, symbolizing a united front in acknowledging the painful legacy of residential schools. It stands as a reminder that every child indeed matters, and the restoration of dignity, culture, and respect to Indigenous people is paramount.

These efforts in acknowledgment and reconciliation are steps towards healing the deep wounds and building a future where diversity and unity can coexist, and where the rights and cultures of Indigenous people are respected and celebrated.