Back to the Red Road by Florence Kaefer

Author:Florence Kaefer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Memoir
ISBN: 9781927575789
Publisher: Caitlin Press
Published: 2014-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Florence’s Story: Government Apologies

In June 2008, my sister Lorna was scheduled for a serious operation. I flew to Winnipeg to be with her. Since I was there on June 11, I decided to watch the federal government’s apology to Aboriginal people for the residential schools on the big screen at the Radisson Hotel. I arrived early, as I wished to attend the lunch for survivors and their families. As lunch was served, caregivers dressed in red jackets circulated to support survivors who might be triggered and upset.

At one point, I heard a voice from across the table say, “I’ll go and talk to my teacher.” It was Gloria York, from my first class at Norway House in 1954. How heartwarming it was to have her sit and talk with me.

Drumming and chanting began in a corner of the big room, and everyone stood as the Grand Entry, led by two proud standard bearers dressed in traditional clothing, came into the room. Following them were dancers in embroidered moccasins, fringed leather pants and beaded jackets. A stunning male dancer followed, wearing a headdress of three tall eagle feathers that spun around. A stately gentleman came next, in his veteran’s uniform resplendent with medals on many-coloured ribbons. Last was a jingle dress dancer holding a three-feathered eagle fan. Behind the podium on the stage hung a purple star blanket.

When all were assembled, we were welcomed by Clarence Nepinak from the Pine Creek First Nation. An elder said a prayer, and then singers and drummers performed a song for the survivors and a victory song.

People took turns coming to the podium to speak. Chief Ron Evans, grand chief of Manitoba, who is from Norway House, hoped for healing from family violence. Another person said, “We are here. We were at the mercy of the white people—held prisoners in our own country. Let’s get out of these shackles; let’s be free. We are grassroots people. Load your pipes. Ask for help. Unity is the answer.” Sharlene Palmer sang her version of “O Canada” in Cree.

The speeches and songs continued as everyone anxiously waited for the apology from Prime Minister Harper. Finally the big screen lit up and there was Stephen Harper, standing in the House of Commons in Ottawa surrounded by various First Nations leaders and the leaders of the three opposition parties. We listened as Harper said, “The treatment of children in Indian residential schools is a sad chapter in our history… Today we recognize that this policy of assimilation was wrong, has caused great harm and has no place in our country.” When he finished, there was no applause in the ballroom.

Next, the Liberal leader, Stéphane Dion, acknowledged the role his party had played and apologized, then went around the circle of Aboriginal leaders in the Commons to shake their hands. A few people in the ballroom applauded.

NDP leader Jack Layton spoke next, saying we must begin a shared future. The residential schools had harmed heritage, language and traditions. There was sexual abuse and inadequate health care.

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