WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS - The White Bear First Nations held activities on Sept. 30 to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
A pancake breakfast opened the day. The event continued with around 100 people, dressed in their orange t-shirts, walking along Highway 9 from the White Bear Education Complex to the White Bear Veterans' Arena.
Oncoming traffic pulled off to the side of the road to show their respect to those who took part in the walk.
Children, adults and elderly took to the street to remember those who did not return from residential schools and honour those who did.
The flow of traffic that followed Staff Sgt. Michael Shortland could be seen backed up the hill as he ensured the safety of everyone.
The walk for Every Child Matters was three-and-a-half kilometres long and took close to an hour. Vehicles had parked on the side of the road to help those who could no longer do the walk and offered water on the long journey.
Once at the White Bear Veterans' Arena, a circle was created by the teepee that was put up earlier that day. The children went inside to have their faces painted and receive an animal balloon.
Sheri McArthur organized the day and was the MC. She welcomed her aunt Sarah McArthur to be the guest speaker to address the crowd that had formed outside.
McArthur was seven years old when she was placed in a residential school and remained there for nearly seven years.
During those years she experienced neglect, as well as physical, mental and emotional abuse.
They were not allowed to speak their language and were told they were demons and the children of Satan. She said they tried to take the Indian out of the Indian.
They were grateful when it was bedtime, as they feared the nuns, and in bed they could hide under the covers and cry.
Once out of the school, she turned to alcohol to help with the past, but it did not help.
When she had children, she treated them like she was treated at the school. McArthur had so much anger built up and did not know how to deal with it.
Her children began to ask her about what happened, and it was then she realized what she was doing.
An emotional McArthur is dealing with her past and feels it needs to be talked about more and not kept bottled it up inside.
Her sister and brother had also been in the school, and at times she feels lonely because she has lost her brother to drugs and alcohol, stemming from the trauma he had endured.
“We are warriors, not survivors,” said McArthur. “We made it.”
It was at this time a moment of silence was held in honour of the 10,500 children that never made it home from residential schools.
In recent years, it has been spoken about more often, but it needs to be in the open more.
As the beat of the drums began, the powwow dancing took over in the circle, with an orange regalia special for children three to six years of age.
Events continued throughout the afternoon, and they were followed by a community feast. This was open to everyone who wanted to attend.
Chief Johathon Pasap was happy with the turnout, and hopes that each year the crowd gets bigger and the gap disappears.
