CANADA
CTV
By: Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press
Date: Friday Apr. 13, 2012
One of British Columbia’s most prominent aboriginal leaders wept uncontrollably Friday as he told Canada’s truth and reconciliation commission that he never fully realized the impact of Indian residential schools on his life until he heard survivors recount their own experiences at the hearings.
Grand Chief Ed John, leader of the First Nations Summit, said the stories he heard while the commission was in Inuvik, N.W.T., tore open wounds he never realized were there.
“I never realized the depth of my own story until I heard their stories,” said John, who stood back from the podium, tried to start speaking again, but couldn’t as the tears flowed.
“It haunts me.”
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