Danny Cavanagh: Let’s be clear that September 30 is more than a question of becoming a paid holiday. It’s a day to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation. Making it paid will give it much more weight and meaning. What we see in Nova Scotia is a half measure…
“Horror sits comfortably beside me.”One of the NS Advocate’s favourite poets, Chad Norman reflects on Canada Day and the horror of Canada’s residential schools.
Media release: Weather permitting, we’re going to mark Canada Day by getting together to read selections from the Truth and Reconciliation Report “What We Have Learned”.
Judy Haiven on working and getting paid on this somber Canada Day.
Statement by Wapna’kikewi’skwaq – Women of First Light. “As Clan Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties, and Mothers we are devastated and heartbroken by the news of the 215 beautiful children who were found in BC. Two hundred and fifteen future Clan Mothers, fire keepers, story tellers, leaders, and protectors that were taken brutally from our Nations.”
Editorial cartoonist Matt Dempsey on the horror of residential schools.
Judy Haiven on what she learned teaching a two-day workshop on sexual harassment and sexual assault to new RCMP recruits in Regina in the nineties. It didn’t go well…
What started out as $70 million in reparations for the suffering caused by Catholic residential schools was whittled down to $16 million by the Catholic Church. Michael William McDonald, a lawyer from Sipekne’katik explains how that happened. “Compensation must be sufficient to provide healing,” he writes, “perhaps then we can find the right path to reconciliation.”
An excellent multi-part documentary by APTN journalist Trina Roache tackles yet another historic effort to destroy Mi’kmaw culture.
Nova Scotia indie filmmaker Ann Verrall often makes movies and documentaries collaborating with youths , and she’s really good at it. What’s with that Treaty? is a great example. The video was made by students of We’koqma’q Mi’kmaq School in Cape Breton during a 5-day video intensive. Students document Treaty Day activities, Orange Shirt Day, meet with elders Joe Googoo, Magit Poulette, Ben Sylliboy, and Malglit Pelletier, and explore Treaty Education. Students also talk about the impact of residential school on them.