On Wednesday, September 30, all WeldCor locations will be closed in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors, their families and communities, and the lasting impact the residential school system has had on Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
As a majority Indigenous-owned Canadian company, we believe reconciliation is something that deserves more than acknowledgement on a calendar. It requires listening, learning and building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities.
Mavis Poundmaker, Indigenous Liaison with WeldCor, shares her thoughts on the importance of this day below.
Cemetery cairn 45 minutes east of the Poundmaker Reserve
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission originated from the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
Truth and Reconciliation is a deeply emotional subject for many.
As the great great granddaughter of Chief Poundmaker, historically known as a peacemaker; I endeavour to look at the subject from all perspectives; the good and the bad, no matter how uncomfortable the truth may be.
My mother was in the Residential school system for 8+ years. She was severely traumatized. She never spoke of it until toward the end of her life. She unburdened herself for not being a good mother to her children. She told me “Mavis, I suffered a lot as a little girl…I tried running away several times and once I was barefoot in the winter.” We cried together and I forgave her and always reminded her that she was forgiven. She also found it in her heart to forgive those that caused her lifelong traumatizing memories and a dysfunctional lifestyle in her youth.
My mother was a deep thinker and eventually got her life together and became a Christian. She started working in the housekeeping department of the Edmonton University Hospital in her late 30’s and retired with a full pension.
Everyone deals with trauma differently, my mom found a way to start living a meaningful and productive life.
It is unfortunate that the commission has been politicized. Public discussion with mutual respect is a must.
I personally believe that reconciliation should start on an individual level where we are able to talk to our neighbours in a civil respectful manner so that we understand each other. Discussion cannot be shut down. Restoration of a broken relationship requires discussion. Truth, no matter how uncomfortable, will eventually be determined; it must, in order for reconciliation to occur.
Our leaders must find solutions and not add to the issue by being patronizing or by being dismissive. It’s going to take leaders with wisdom and right motives in their hearts to create unity. We definitely don’t need politics and politicians using a deeply divisive issue to promote themselves or their parties and organizations, including the Native ones.
Just my thoughts….
Mavis and her mother both attended Duck Lake Residential School
WeldCor AB President Joe Slager and WeldCor Indigenous Liaison Mavis Poundmaker
Learn more at the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
