For Immediate Release
May 9, 2013
Carrier Sekani to host Truth and Reconciliation Hearings in Prince George
Dakelh Territory/Prince George BC – On May 13-14, 2013 the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC), Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is inviting members of the public to learn more about the Canadian Government endorsed Residential School system and how it has affected First Nations who survived years of abuse. Over the last 130 years many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people have attended Residential Schools which were mandated to assimilate First Nations into western society.
Tribal Chief Terry Teegee stated “our people have survived years and generations of abuse at the hands of government, religious organizations and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as they stole generations of Children from our communities who were placed in residential schools.” Teegee added, “to this day, we are still dealing with legacy of residential schools and it is seen in all the social issues the abuse has caused our people.”
At the height of the residential school operations in 1931, there were approximately 80 residential schools operating and approximately 150,000 children attended the schools during the 130 year history since the first school opened. The federal government made attendance mandatory for First Nations, Inuit and Metis children. It was during this time that kids were taken from their homes for 10 months a year. Children as young as 3 were subjected to substandard living conditions and were abused physically, mentally and sexually. Children were not allowed to speak their language, practice their culture and were not allowed to interact with their siblings.
“In today’s society, we are taught that childhood is the most valuable time of learning and a time for setting a healthy foundation of life skills for a healthy future” stated Teegee. Teegee concluded “The federal government’s actions have caused tremendous pain and suffering for many generations of First Nations across this country. Now is the time for our people to heal from this horrific event in our history and tell our stories of surviving residential school.”
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For Further Information Contact:
Tribal Chief Terry Teegee, office 250-562-6279 ext. 223, cell (250)640-3256
Dakelh Territory/Prince George BC – On May 13-14, 2013 the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC), Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is inviting members of the public to learn more about the Canadian Government endorsed Residential School system and how it has affected First Nations who survived years of abuse. Over the last 130 years many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people have attended Residential Schools which were mandated to assimilate First Nations into western society.