The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #111961 Message #2363810
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
11-Jun-08 - 07:45 PM
Thread Name: BS: Canadian Apology
Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Apology
Azizi is correct about few people knowing about the abuse. During most of that period, people did not speak out. The system of de-culturing natives was thought to be the right thing to do. The church schools were filled with people "giving their lives to charity," but their procedures were mistaken and draconian. Only in the past few years have people come to realize that they were killing pride, initiative, language, knowledge, culture. In Canada, not much has been exposed concerning sexual abuse, but I doubt that it was less than in the States. I think cases will come to light as it is realized that the crime was not within, but was imposed. The abused feel shamed and turn inward, but now perhaps they will talk.
Looking at the reserves here in Alberta, I fail to see that large sums of money have been involved, and there seem to be no real plans for any meaningful compensation. Much talk, but "where's the beef?" to use the trite phrase. The 'scams' still come from outside the reservations. Calgary wants to drive part of their ring road through the T'su-Tina land, bordering Calgary, there is talk of benefits, but real compensation is not on the table.