How N.W.T. communities are caring for survivors this Truth and Reconciliation day

This year, there will be a trained mental health counsellor at Truth and Reconciliation events in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T. — part of an effort to ensure that the day is not triggering for residential school survivors in the community or their families.

Fort Good Hope has been holding a "Truth and Reconciliation weekend", with four days of events which started on Friday. The events, which included contributions from many local community organizations, were led by Fort Good Hope wellness staff Dani Masuzumi and Cara Manuel.

"We did have to have a meeting, a group meeting, just so we can discuss on what we can plan, and how to properly organize our event so we don't trigger anybody," explained assistant wellness co-ordinator Manuel.

In N.W.T., where the majority of residential schools remained open until the 1970s or later, many communities are wrestling with the question of how to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation while being sensitive to the painful memories it brings up for many residents.

In Fort Good Hope, wellness co-ordinator Masuzumi said that meant bringing a "trauma-informed" approach.

In addition to having a mental health counsellor on hand, Masuzumi said they ensured events were communal but self-paced, so participants weren't forced to relive traumatic memories. One example of this was a "letting go" burning ceremony on Friday.

They also hosted a sharing circle to ensure that people who did want to share their experiences had support, Masuzumi said.

"There has to be some openness if people do have things to get off their chest," she said. "We don't want to cause any harm, but we actually want to create a safe place that is welcoming."

Giving those impacted by residential schools space to share their experiences will also be an important part of Truth and Reconciliation Day events in Ulukhaktok, N.W.T.

Volunteer Gayle Elias said the Ulukhaktok Community Corporation, which represents Inuvialuit beneficiaries in the community, has organized a community walk and a shared meal of soup and bannock, after which residential school survivors and other community members who want to share will be invited to speak. 

"By talking about their stories, it will help them to heal if they feel acknowledged and they feel like they have that support there for them," she said. 

"We're there for each other… when we come together and hold gatherings like this, it's good for everybody."

Manuel agreed, saying that ultimately, she believes this weekend is important simply as an opportunity to show up for community members affected by residential schools.

"They are our grandparents, or parents, could be our aunties or uncles, our sisters or brothers. We want to have a time to just honour them, celebrate them, for surviving... show appreciation and cherish them."