Regina Leader-Post

Tragedy requires best of humanity

- Colleen Charlette, Saskatoon

Grappling with the enormity of the “uncovering” was astounding. The scale of this tragedy is epic. Abuse so long unchecked had become morbidly unrestrain­ed. Defenceles­s children and toxic assimilati­on offered a formidable dilemma.

The country edged on, most knowing that the body count was not over. While living in a viral pandemic, society quaked. The tsunami of revelation­s continued its seemingly endless sting.

The colonial anatomy that carried out such atrocities was in no hurry to declare accountabi­lity. The burden could not be placed squarely on the shoulders of the First Nations. It needed to be fanned out with proper acknowledg­ment and attention to the process.

Internatio­nally, the country's reputation was stained. It took 21st century technology in the form of ground penetratin­g radar for the telling bones to be exposed. A compressed sonic scream demanded respect.

A heart-wrenching appeal to humanity has been issued.

Will the best of humanity show up to join the First Nations in forging a path and a plan in shaping a future for a country that all sides can find acceptable?

Let recognitio­n of a reciprocal dignity rule. Do the right thing. Walk in compassion. It will require the best of the country.

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