‘Warriored up’ survivors speak truth to power at ceremony in Kamloops, B.C.
Global News
Residential school survivors, intergenerational survivors and family spoke directly to the prime minister on his first visit to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc since the spring.
Warning: This story deals with disturbing subject matter that may upset and trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
Survivors and intergenerational survivors of residential schools shattered “the myth of friendly Canada” on Monday, in a powerful ceremony hosted by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops, B.C.
They spoke truth to power as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listened in his first visit to the community since its harrowing confirmation of 215 unmarked burial sites last spring.
“Thank yourselves, all you survivors for the work that you did, the hard work that you did to survive the genocide of Canada against us,” said Shuswap National Tribal Council Chair, Kukpi7 Wayne Christian.
Since May, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc has pursued justice for Le Estcwéy̓ — the missing children — calling on Ottawa to fund a healing centre for the community and turn over all documents pertaining to the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Kukpi7 Christian said his mother never shared the “atrocities” she survived there, and while he recognized Trudeau is just a “man” who makes “mistakes,” as prime minister, he must shoulder that legacy.
Students from the Sk’elep School sang the Secwépemc Honour song for survivors and intergenerational survivors and shared an original music video about their love for their land and community.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc residential school survivor Charlotte Manual tearfully called for a moment of silence as she laid tobacco for Le Estcwéy̓.