Q: We have an informal church study group. Of late we have been talking about the residential school experience to which many of our First Nations friends have been subjected. This is a difficult subject for us. It is embarrassing, if nothing else, to think that our people were so insensitive to other cultures. We are trying to think of what we can do to make it up to the First Nations communities. Do you have any ideas? If so, please pass them on. We are open to discussing anything.
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A: I suggest you invite some First Nations leaders to join your discussions. They understand the problem more than any of us.
First Nations children were subjected to sexual, physical and emotional abuse in residential schools. No one is sure of the numbers, but any sexual or physical abuse is inexcusable.
The one figure of which we can be sure is that 100 percent of the children suffered at least some emotional abuse. They were deprived of their personal identities, attacked and ridiculed for being First Nations people, not allowed to speak their natural languages and denied the comforts of home.
The consequences have been horrendous. Many of their communities have struggled with adolescent suicide, addictions, unusually high rates of death and economic deprivation.
Although the temptation is to try to fix problems, First Nations peoples are most likely to do that themselves. A more effective way to help your First Nations friends is to learn from them.
Most First Nations cultures have interesting ideas on ecological relations and how best we can relate to our natural environments.
Traditional First Nations people taught their children cultural and moral values by telling them stories.
They depended on reason and logic and helping their children understand right from wrong. They got this from the stories they told their children. You might want to hear some of their stories, perhaps to pass them on to your own children when they are working toward moral development.
First Nations people also know how to love and respect their elders, something all of us could consider.
Learning from First Nations peoples is a plus-plus for everyone.
For First Nations people, teaching gives them an opportunity to feel pride in their culture.
Gaining insight into First Nation cultures gives you an opportunity to grow and move beyond your cultural limitations.
Jacklin Andrews is a family counsellor from Saskatchewan who has taught social work at two universities. Mail correspondence in care of Western Producer, Box 2500, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2C4 or e-mail jandrews@producer.com.
