I chose to demonstrate my understanding of truth and reconciliation through a display of two pictures and a poem that I wrote. The first picture is filled with words that represent the events that occurred in the schools and the effects it has on Indigenous people to this day. Some survivors are still unable to openly speak about the trauma that they faced and continue to face. Due to this, the reality of residential schools could be even worse than we know but no change will be made if we are kept silent. All the memories and trauma will stay in the schools and minds of those who suffered. Thankfully, some survivors have built up the courage and bravery to share what has happened to them no matter how uncomfortable it may be to hear or talk about. We only know what we are told even if it is something we don’t necessarily “want” to hear but need to.
This leads me to the second picture I have displayed. I called it “A step towards reconciliation” as it demonstrates two main things, one being five hands of all different races and the hands in a circle showing interconnection. After trying to understand the residential school experience to one’s highest extent without the true experience, the realization of how much reconciliation is needed is very evident. Hearing the truth of reality and learning to revitalize a healthy relationship between Canadians and Indigenous people is most definitely necessary to begin the journey to reconciliation. Overall, the second picture shows that there is a better chance of changes being made when the topic is more widely discussed. The words in the second picture are both positive and negative, whereas the school photo is just filled with negative words. This is because good things are to happen once the truth is told like change and it’s important to make Indigenous people feel loved, supported and to remind them that they are strong for surviving such trauma.
Here is a poem that I wrote.
“I Finally Understand”
As I sit here shaking,
I finally understand.
Children were ripped away from there families,
I finally understand.
The horrible effects of the trauma they experienced,
I finally understand.
Losing all that they could call their own,
I finally understand.
The unimaginable abuse children faced,
I finally understand.
The inability to protect your own child,
I finally understand.
Nothing but disturbing voices in their heads,
I finally understand.
Reconciliation being the key to the future,
I finally understand.
Being respectful and supporting those who suffered,
I finally understand.
I finally do understand, and it’s time you do too.