'Horrible things happening there,' Shubenacadie residential school survivor recalls
People at Sipekne'katik First Nation say education is the key, but they also want to see more than apologies from the governments.
The recent headlines don’t surprise Becky Julian. When she heard the remains of 215 children were found at a residential school in Kamloops, B.C., she wasn’t shocked.
"You’ve heard that all your life about horrible things happening there," said Julian, who is a residential school survivor.
She’s lived them. Between the ages of four and nine years old, she went to Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. She didn’t go back because she hid from the government agents.
"By the time I was nine years old, I believed I was a bad kid because every time the kids were lined up for a strapping, I was one of them," Julian said.
In light of the unmarked burial site found in British Columbia, there’s a country-wide petition calling for a national day of mourning.
Pam Glode Desrochers of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre thinks that might be an easy way out.
"I think the commitment to the work has to happen first," Glode Desrochers said. "And then you let the communities decide what that should look like -- and not just a date on the calendar. It needs to be something concrete."
Julian doesn’t want that either — nor does she want to hear any more apologies.
"Apologies are a little late," Julian said. "They have to do something."
Many believe the priority should be to search all residential school sites for graves.
Parks Canada has named Shubenacadie’s residential school a national historic site.
A factory stands in its place, but Julian’s granddaughter wants a memorial built.
"A free and open space that’s not private territory where Indigenous people can come and lay flowers, come and do a gathering on," says Ashley Julian-Rikihana.
She’s doing her PhD in Indigenous studies and believes education is also crucial for reconciliation.
"We need to be more conscious and aware because it’s our generation, it’s my parents generation, your generation that hasn’t had the opportunity and exposure to indigenous culture and language," said Julian-Rikihana.
In Shubenacadie, ground-penetrating radar has been used to explore part of the site where the residential school once stood and nothing was found, but the community says there’s still more ground to cover.
Julian says she’s not sure anything will be found, but it’s important to do a thorough search.
The federal government has set up a crisis line. The phone number for the national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is 1-866-925-4419.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.