Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan stated Indigenous communities across Canada are still reeling over the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops last May.
On Monday, Indigenous leaders gathered in Kamloops to mark the anniversary. Since the discovery, thousands more unmarked graves have been found at residential school sites across the country.
However, Logan believes much of society would still be at square one on Truth and Reconciliation and Canada’s Residential School system had it not been for the discovery.
“If it wasn’t for the discovery, it still would have been a taboo subject no one talked about. As we are slowly putting the pieces back together and it’s been a year. It’s still hard for everyone to grasp.”
Logan added the local support for Lheidli T’enneh has been tremendous with more people coming forward and having a conversation.
“I saw this little girl and she told me she felt bad and guilty and I asked her why. So, we had a conversation around there and it’s going to be a long journey for us that is going to take years and years to actually get to Truth and Reconciliation.”
As for what more can be done, Logan pointed to all levels of government to show a more authentic form of leadership and understanding when dealing with Indigenous communities and counterparts.
“Not have first nations as a checklist, like oh we got to do this or we are planning that. Actually, take the time to come and talk and see what’s needed and mainly what our survivors and their children need because it’s inter-generational.”
“I still get choked up about it. Take five minutes to learn about your local first nation and I have to say everyone has been taking the moment to find out about the Lheidli T’enneh in our area. Move forward with heart.”
Logan added initiatives like Orange Shirt Day and Aboriginal Day are important events going forward as the healing process continues.
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