Commission Wraps up Two-day Stop in Port Alberni with Aim of Healing Survivors

By Julia Caranci
Canada.com
March 15, 2012

http://www.canada.com/Commission+wraps+stop+Port+Alberni+with+healing+survivors/6305409/story.html

While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission heard many heartbreaking histories over the last two days, people also shared their tales of hope and healing.

In addition, the commission learned how important gaining back their culture is to Aboriginal People here.

The TRC wrapped up two days of hearings in Port Alberni on Tuesday.

The commission will visit more communities, both large and small, across the country in the coming months. The goal is to create a lasting record of survivors' experiences while attending residential schools, which were run by various churches under contract to the government.

The Alberni Residential School, which operated from 1920 to 1972, was one of many in which alleged physical, emotional and sexual abuse took place.

While many tears were shed over the two days in Port Alberni, one strong message emerged - healing is possible.

"We want to get back who we are," said Lawrence Baird, who spoke to the commission on Tuesday. "Don't let it stop your progress."

And following each person's revelations, emcee Stan Matthews offered praise to the survivor.

"You are a beautiful person," Matthews said to survivor Sherry Brown after her emotional story.

"Welcome to the new you." Several of the speakers expressed concern that traditional aboriginal languages are being lost.

"If we don't move now, it will go extinct," Baird said.

On Monday, Huu-ay-aht elder Benson Nookemus made the same strong point, saying there may be as few as 150 people out of 9,000 in his nation that are still fluent in their traditional language.

He added there is hope.

New classes are being held at North Island College that started up in September.

But Nookemus also hinted the federal government could do more to help fund the revitalization of aboriginal culture.

"It would be nice to send a couple of million dollars to me," he said, eliciting laughter from the audience.

He added he would use the funds to foster language learning in his people.

The commission does not make any decisions during the hearings. The purpose is to listen and record.

Perhaps the most inspiring moment came during a break in the speakers, when Tseshaht children from haahuupayak School performed with classmates.

Grouped in a circle, they sang a song of hope in their traditional language, moving many in the crowd to tears.

Following the song, the children distributed handmade paddle necklaces decorated with rainbows. One was given to each survivor in the audience.

The hearings wrapped up on Tuesday with closing remarks and a dance performance.

Aside from running short on time for all the speakers, the hearings were a positive success story.

The TRC will document the experiences of survivors, then gather them together, creating a lasting memorial to their experiences.

Contact: -JCaranci@avtimes.net