The short of it ... (3)
Mr Speaker, I stand before you today to offer an apology to former students of Indian Residential schools. The treatment of children in Indian Residential schools is a sad chapter in our history. We now recognise that far too often, these institutions gave rise to abuse and neglect and were inadequately controlled. And, we apologise for failing to protect you. Not only did you suffer these abuses as children, but as you became parents you were powerless to protect your own children from suffering the same experiences – and for this, we are sorry. – Speech delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to the House of Commons, 39th PARLIAMENT, 2nd SESSION, Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The early millennium seemed to be the decade of apologies to the Indigenous peoples of the commonwealth for more than a century’s worth of discrimination and injustices. One would have to be very naïve to believe that everything became harmonious after particular apologies were given and documented. However, official apologies were an indication that issues have been acknowledged and are potentially being addressed.
Apologies that were acknowledged or recognised were those given to some iwi as part of the Treaty settlements in Aotearoa, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s apology to the former students of Indian Residential Schools where First nations, Inuit and Métis I languages and cultural practices were prohibited in Canada. And, yes, we too have our stories and knowledge of how Māori were treated in the New Zealand education system.
I start this blog on a more serious note than I would normally, largely due to a short film that I just watched. The film is called ‘My Private Own Lower Post’ by two-spirited (takatāpui) Canada First Nation’s film maker Duane Gastant’ Aucoin.
The title of the short film, I gather, is a play on meanings or has connotations from the B52’s song, ‘Private Idaho’ released in 1980 or the 1991 film staring River Phoenix called “My Own Private Idaho’. Much like the song and feature film, Gastant’ Aucoin’s short film encompasses themes around understanding one’s own private world, journeys and discovery.
The short film starts with Gastant’ Aucoin reflecting on how the Indian Residential School where his mother was raised came to affect him and his relationship with his family as a child and as a parent. With that insight into his experience with the education/colonisation process the short film left me intrigued, interested and still thinking long after the credits had rolled around, which for me is a key indicator that a short film has been well presented.
Early next month I get the opportunity to meet with Gastant’ Aucoin and see his short film again on a much larger screen. If you would like to join me come along to the Kerikeri Union Church, crn Kerikeri and Butler Roads, Sunday 7 February at 6pm for the screening. There is a gold coin entry, but it’s worth it.
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