HEAL OUR PAST HURTS
The concept of creating a new federal statutory holiday to commemorate the legacy of Canada’s residential schools on Indigenous People is well worth supporting. According to reporting by the National Post, the government intends to back a private member’s bill introduced by Saskatchewan NDP MP Georgina Jolibois. The bill proposes establishing a statutory holiday on June 21, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day. That date falls within the school year, so students can learn about the reasons that the day has been set aside.
It is appropriate that this movement would originate with the representative of the Desnethe-missinippi-churchill River riding, where so many children and families were part of the residential school system.
Initiating the holiday, importantly, would fulfil one of the 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez told Postmedia the government has committed to fulfilling the TRC’S calls to action, including implementing the holiday. This is an honourable position. Details — including the annual date for the holiday — are still being discussed and are not yet finalized.
Of course, there will be pushback on the idea. Conservative Maxime Bernier led this charge with this thoughtless tweet: “Why not celebrate instead the heritage and renewal of Aboriginal cultures? That would unite us in positive way. Cult of victimhood and obsession with past wrongs instead of focus on the progress made and to come are another sick characteristic of extreme PC and multiculturalism.”
Remembrance Day is marked by both remembering the pain and sacrifice of those involved in war, while celebrating the strength of those who survived and carried on with life. It is possible to recognize pain and triumph in the same event.
You do not hear veterans being accused of being part of a “cult of victimhood” when they want their experiences and those who died to be remembered. We should not accuse those who suffered hunger and abuse in residential schools of being obsessed with past wrongs.
In the United States, Martin Luther King Junior day is both a chance to ensure the sacrifices of those who fought for civil rights are not forgotten, while celebrating the culture of African Americans. This holiday has also been the focus of controversy, but its existence has persevered and can act as an example for Canadians as we look at our history with our Indigenous people.
Knowing that for at least one day each year, Canadians are taking time to learn and reflect on the history of residential schools will assist in the healing that needs to take place.