"Denied the right to grieve"

A message from the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge at McMaster University: 

"As all of Canada bears witness to yet another Indian Residential School related tragedy, the stark evidence-based findings from the Kamloops Residential School convey perhaps, a harsher reality. This is a hard truth that has been affirmed with evidence. A more somber truth perhaps, is that many Indigenous people; parents, grand-parents, aunties and uncles have known for years but nobody was listening. Sadly, the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nations have had their truth confirmed. 

Many Indigenous families whose children were apprehended by the church or government and told that they will receive an education, often experienced this loss. They often were denied information about their children’s passing, denied the right to grieve and in some cases denied the request to have their bodies returned to them. As parents and grandparents, it is unfathomable to know that for many, they never even knew where they were buried. The inter-generational impact on the well-being of these families, communities and nations is well documented. A litany of truths has been relayed often firsthand by survivors of those schools. Survivors and families who are still with us.

 

There are many more truths about our lives, our ways, our customs and beliefs and our knowledge systems. We can’t demand belief about these truths but we can ask for respect and pedagogical space without the ever-present demand for western based ‘evidence’. As the university aspires to a more inclusive learning environment, this respect for pluralism will have to be reckoned with. We have and will share our own evidence as the reconciliation process continues to unfold. Our Knowledge Helpers and Elders will continue to guide this work.

 

As this new story is circulated in print, in social-media and tv news hours across the country, thoughts and feelingsof shock and revulsion are emerging. Non – Indigenous settlers and Allies may feel uncertain about how to respond. For those who find themselves reflecting in this way, know that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada expects us all to take part in the reconciliation work. To bear witness to what happened and to take action."

Being denied the right to grieve... heinous.