KEESEEKOOSE FIRST NATION — Chief Alvin Musqua expressed his deep gratitude to survivors of the residential school system and acknowledged the importance of preserving First Nations language, culture, and community on National Truth and Reconciliation Day honouring survivors and those who did not make it home.
“We could not be here today. We couldn’t be here honouring them, without the ones who are around us today, the survivors, and also the ones who didn't make it through these institutions that were meant to come home to our people. We have to remember that. We didn't do that walk for nothing.” said Chief Musqua.
Reflecting on residential schools, Chief Musqua emphasized the resilience and perseverance of First Nations people. “There was the policy of the government to take our people out, and they tried their best to do it, but they didn't see what's happening. We weren't able to speak our language, and we weren't able to talk to our siblings in these schools,” he said
The event also included a star blanket presentation to local Saulteaux drummer and singer Isaac Musqua by Ted Quewezance, followed by a drum and song performance by Isaac at the monument.
Chief Musqua highlighted the progress made in reclaiming language and culture, particularly in education. “You in the school here, you’re already able to speak your language. Now we have a language program in the school. We have land-based learning, so the culture is there. We have the elders in our community who are very glad to teach the language, to teach the traditions to our people, to our children.”
Chief Musqua also pointed to the ongoing struggles within the community, including the current drug epidemic, but committed to taking back the community and showing the children that they matter. “We have to be able to show our children that they matter every day, and we'll take our community back from what's happening in our community with the drugs. I make that commitment to not only our children, but all the bad members here that I will continue to do that.”
The chief urged everyone to honour survivors not just on this day, but every day, by continuing to live, thrive, and pass on their knowledge and culture. “Let’s acknowledge our survivors every day. Let’s acknowledge the children who never made it home,” he said.
