By Honoring The Past, We Can Crate a Better Future.

History is replete with chapters we wish had never been written. Dark epochs that stand out as grim reminders of the cruelty humans are capable of inflicting upon their brethren. Among the darkest chapters in the annals of North American history is the suffering endured by First Nations people, particularly the painful legacy of the residential schools.

The Shadows of the Past

For many First Nations people, the term "residential schools" doesn't just refer to a place of education. It represents an era of cultural erosion, a systematized attempt to erase their very identity. From the late 19th century to the late 20th century, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families and sent to these schools, where they were often subjected to physical and emotional abuse.

“After I was taken there they took off my clothes and then they cut off my beautiful hair. You know and my hair, my hair represents such a spiritual significance of my life and my spirit … You know and I cried and I see them throw my hair into a garbage can, my long, beautiful braids.”

—? Campbell Papequash

In these institutions, children were stripped of their native languages, traditions, and customs, with many facing neglect and mistreatment. The intention was to assimilate them into the dominant culture, but the result was generations of trauma, the reverberations of which are still felt today.

Never Forgetting, Always Learning

We must ensure that such a dark period is never repeated, and the way to do that is through remembrance and education. The stories of the survivors and those who did not make it must be told and retold, so that the world never forgets the depths to which intolerance and bigotry can plunge a society.

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Yet, amid this somber reflection, a ray of hope emerges. As painful as these memories are, they are sparking a movement of reflection, acknowledgment, and learning.

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Today, more and more schools, institutions, and communities are including comprehensive modules about the experiences of the First Nations people in their curricula. This isn't just a matter of setting historical records straight; it's about understanding the profound impact of past injustices on present-day communities and finding ways to heal.

?Towards a Brighter Tomorrow

?The promise of a better future lies in the hands of the youth. The rising generation of First Nations young people is a testament to the resilience and strength of their ancestors. They are reclaimers of lost languages, revitalizers of traditions, and ambassadors of reconciliation.

Leadership is also emerging from within the communities, with individuals taking up the mantle to ensure that their history is not only preserved but that it shapes a brighter, inclusive future. By weaving the past's lessons with contemporary insights, these leaders are laying the groundwork for a society where every child—no matter their ethnic origin—feels valued, heard, and empowered.

Leaders like Chief Planes of the T’Sou-ke First Nation which has led the way in creating renewable energy.

The T’Sou-ke First Nation began its journey to become a sustainable solar community in 2008 with a comprehensive community planning process that involved everyone, including children. The guiding principle for the planning was based on the Seventh Generation, planning 100 years ahead. T’Sou-ke realized that in order to achieve sustainability, it needed to embrace traditional values including deep respect for Mother Earth.

Link to full story from the T’Sou-ke First Nation website.

We need harmony, we need peace, we need respect, and with all that, that means looking after Mother Earth and our children.

- Shirley Alphonse- Elder- T'Sou-ke Nation

The key to our collective future lies in unity. A unity that doesn’t erase or diminish differences but celebrates them. A unity that understands that diversity is not a weakness but our greatest strength.

?The Path Ahead

?As we stand at this crossroads, looking back at a painful past and forward to a hopeful future, we must make a solemn pledge. A pledge to honor the memories and sacrifices of those who suffered by ensuring their descendants inherit a world free of bigotry and intolerance.

With increased awareness, comprehensive education, and committed leadership, we can pave the way for a brighter future—a future where First Nation youth can soar high, grounded in their rich heritage and limitless in their potential.

In the words of a meaningful proverb, often attributed to First Nation tradition, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” It’s our sacred duty to ensure they inherit a world better than we found it.