Revisiting residential school a healing journey
It was a trip to remember.
In August, more than 30 residential school survivors embarked on a healing journey to the mountains, and for one Regina family it signified a time of change.
“It was really lovely,” said Candy Fox, who accompanied her grandmother, Gloria, on the two-week trip to B.C. “It was great to sit back and see my grandmother enjoy her trip alongside the other survivors.”
Candy doubled as the group photographer for the excursion and although she is not a residential school survivor, she knows all too well the impact the experience has had on her family.
Gloria said five generations of her family attended the schools and that her grandchildren are the first generation not to have that shared experience.
It’s not something I talk about, I have always just kept it to myself.
She attended the Indian residential school in Lebret until she was 12.
“It’s not something I talk about,” she said. “I have always just kept it to myself.”
Growing up, she said residential school and the things that happened there were not openly talked about.
“My dad would sometimes tell us kids little stories about residential school,” said Gloria. “My mom never spoke about it, maybe that’s where I get it from.”
Initially, she thought the healing tour would just be a nice trip, but said it turned into something more.
Now, 69, the elder Fox said it was her first time travelling to Vancouver and being surrounded by a group of people her own age made the whole trip that much better.
She said being with others, who had experiences similar to her own, made it easier to start talking about residential school.
“I didn’t feel alone, like it was just me,” said Gloria.
Since the August trip, she feels a little lighter, like she has been able to let go of something heavy. She is not sure what is next, but says she is happy she went on the trip.
Candy said it was great to see her grandmother enjoy herself.
“I really liked the idea that they are doing this for residential school survivors,” said Candy. “I think it’s important just to give them something and they could just be at ease and enjoy life and see the beauty of the world ... I don’t think many residential school survivors have really been able to travel and just do those sorts of things.”
She said it was also good to see her grandmother and the others have a chance to experience another First Nation culture and to be welcomed so kindly with song and dance and ceremony.
Last year, the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre’s residential school health support workers began planning for a trip to take residential school survivors on a trip to help them start or to continue on their healing path.
On Saturday, a sharing circle, feast and round dance is to be held at the Regina Performing Arts Centre at 1077 Angus St. in honour of the trip.