Truth and Reconciliation Commission
December 12, 2010
http://www.trc.ca/websites/trcinstitution/index.php?p=8
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Survivors of the Residential Schools experience who came forward to share their often painful, emotional truths with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at a community gathering in Thunder Bay, Ontario took another important step this week on the journey of healing and finding forgiveness.
"Tapachimoda - Lets Tell Our Stories" was organized in part by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation that focused on hearing from survivors and their families who are coming to terms with their experiences. As many as 200 participants gathered for the three day event.
TRC Commissioners present at the gathering participated in sharing circles with survivors. Through tears and at times, laughter, they described their school experiences. Those that were not able to share their statements with the Commission were reminded of other ways and opportunities to do so. For more information on statement gathering, click here.
One survivor, upon reflection of the gathering, commented that people are starting to focus on what they require to move forward and that they don't want to hang on to what has happened to them. Instead, it's about finding a healthy way of letting go.
The gathering is one of many community events being held across the country as the Commission carries out its mandate of collecting and creating an accurate account of what happened in the 150 year history of the schools. For more on community events, see TRC in the Community.
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