Peter Harrison - Speaking My Truth

Toward ReconciliationThere are many layers to the goal of reconciliation, with many differentplayers involved: individual Survivors struggle to reconcile their residentialschool experience with its ongoing impact on their lives; spouses and familymembers are on journeys of understanding and healing; whole communitiesare trying to cope with social issues resulting from the abuse suffered in theresidential schools; and reconciliation with the institutions responsible for theschools—the churches and the government—is an ongoing challenge withits own set of dynamics. But what of the Canadian public—civil society—as awhole? How can they be informed about the legacy of residential schools? Isreconciliation possible without a clear understanding of the role and impact ofthese institutions? Judging by the conversation outlined above (and I have hadmany others like it), even informed professionals are unaware of the enormityof the residential school phenomenon. So how much more difficult will it be toengage a public that has even less knowledge and, in some cases, less interest?The education of the Canadian public is thus one of the key objectives of theTRC, and this will be a mammoth task.When first faced with the facts of residential schools, many people areincredulous, and their disbelief leads to a plethora of questions, such as:How could this have happened in a society that sees itself as caring andtolerant? This quickly evolves into a deeper understanding of the situationsstill faced by many Aboriginal people in Canada, their families, and theircommunities. This often turns to outrage and the desire for further action.This empathy can be a wellspring of support for the TRC and its work andcould strengthen the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginalpeople in Canada if tapped into effectively. It would be a great gift toCanada if the story of suffering and despair endured in residential schoolsgives rise to greater understanding and leads to positive partnerships withAboriginal peoples.Facing the SkepticsThere are skeptics and those who simply dismiss the residential schoolsissue as being of little consequence. The TRC will undoubtedly hearfrom such individuals. Indeed, if the TRC is to rewrite this dark chapterin Canadian history, it should hear such views; there would be merit inseeking these individuals out so that myth can be replaced with fact andignorance thereby dispelled. I have heard many skeptical comments in theconversations referred to above. What are some of these? How can these becountered? The remainder of this article will deal with some of the moreegregious ones. It is only to be hoped that these comments arise because ofa lack of knowledge, information, and understanding by the commentator.Response, Responsibility, and Renewal | 139