CANADA
Calgary Sun
Native residential schools report a welcome first step but overcoming racism still a big hurdle, say Alberta survivors
BY BILL KAUFMANN, CALGARY SUN
Alberta survivors of Native residential schools say a report on healing that system’s damage is a welcome first step.
But while awareness of the often abusive schools promoted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report should help, Rita Nedved, who attended St. Mary’s Residential School near Cardston, said overcoming racism remains a big hurdle.
“It’s going to take both communities working together for that racism to go away, to be accepted for who we are — it’s going to be a long journey,” said Nedved, 72.
She added she knows the report has sparked a backlash against Aboriginals.
“But we’re the ones who carry the pain, we’re the ones who suffered.”
The woman said she was taken from her adoptive family on the Blood Reserve and attended the school operated by the Catholic church for 10 years, where she suffered sexual abuse.
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