‘We walked with numbers on us.’
That’s the heartbreaking memory of one residential school survivor.
It was one of several recollections cited by Betty Jean Phillips Budden (pictured at left) at Wednesday’s Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremonies at city hall in St. Thomas.
For the past six years, Budden and good friend Amanda Stark have organized Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremonies at city hall in St. Thomas.
And, Wednesday afternoon, Budden recited those numbers.
Budden, identifies with Oneida Nation of the Thames, and says she will never forget the event in 2021 that launched her into action, when about 200 potential burial sites were discovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Hundreds of orange-clad individuals, including a large number of students, took in the event over the noon hour in front of city hall.
The afternoon included opportunities for attendees to learn, listen, and connect through Indigenous cultural performances, Educational displays and Indigenous artisans and vendors at St. Thomas Public Library and in Westlake-Evans Park.
Budden told of the heartbreaking memory of the return home from residential school by one survivor after having lost the ability to speak and understand their Indigenous language.
She talked of the loss of sense of family facing residential school survivors.
And described the trauma of young children herded away from their parents and into trucks and trains.
MPP Rob Flack likened September 30 to Remembrance Day and the need to never forget.
MP Andrew Lawton paid tribute to the number of young people in attendance.
What Budden really would like to see moving forward is an Indigenous Peoples cultural centre in St. Thomas. Something similar to the N’Amerind Friendship Centre in London.
Support is available for anyone affected by the traumatic legacy of residential schools and those who are triggered by the latest reports and recoveries. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll free at 1-800-721-0066. A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-441.
Written by Ian McCallum
