The discovery of remains of 215 children at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops sparked a national debate, leading to a national day of listening across Canadian media. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

Water Cooler: A Day of Listening, meaningful action following residential school discoveries

Jun 30, 2021 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — Wednesday, June 30 is a unique day for news and media outlets across the country.

In partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, NanaimoNewsNOW is participating in a national day of listening involving dozens of Canadian media outlets, including our six sister stations on Vancouver Island.

The day aims to listen to and amplify Indigenous voices in the wake the uncovering of the remains of nearly 1,000 children at two former residential school sites in Kamloops and Saskatchewan.

The discoveries further confirmed the atrocities which occurred in Canada’s residential school system.

While June 30 marks a day of listening, it also has to represent a day of action.

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Action must come through reform of governmental policy which adversely affect First Nations across the country. Action must come through better education on First Nations culture and history.

Finally, action must come through continued conversation.

The atrocities recently uncovered in Kamloops and in Saskatchewan represent actions taken as recently as 1996 and cannot be forgotten or swept away.

Days like Wednesday are important, however it must be just the first step.

How have the discoveries in Kamloops and Saskatchewan affected you?

What steps have you taken to better educate yourself on Canada’s residential school system and First Nations history?

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

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