Similar to the Canada's First Nations People, I grew up in a colonial system in Guyana [British Guiana], South America.
Its interesting to note similarities of abuse and control in colonial systems around the world : Canada, Guyana, Central America, etc.

My ancestors went to Guyana from Asia to replace free slaves on the sugar cane plantations. Being persons of colour, they were not treated differently from the slaves. There were sexual and physical abuse, restrictions in family movements, not allowed to practice their religious faith and personally, I was verbally and physically abused, once with a handgun pointed at my head, while the abuser shouted racist remarks.

 

 

In Canada, some of my experiences with racism was not different from the way First Nations people are treated. Even though the company where I was employed had a policy against racism, managers did not know how to implement it, or deal with the issues. Alone, I dealt with my unpleasant experiences, realizing that education and not my anger, was the solution.

 

 

During the Truth and Reconciliation Commission visit in our town, I was invited to volunteer and video record stories by residential school survivors, with DVD copies given to them. Its purpose was to inform families about the reason for survivors behaviour with substance abuse and domestic violence, that seems so common in First Nation communities. It was also to inform the commission about their life at residential school, in a calm, non-threatening environment.

 

The stories were difficult to tell and more-so to listen, because some of the abusers were people known to me in our church. When a reporter spontaneously asked whether I cried listening to the stories, I started to cry, because it was very difficult listening to children being sexually abused with instruments, while the abuser laughed.

 

 

I agree with the TRC report regarding the 'cultural genocide' of Canada's First Nations People. Similar to my ancestors, we became a broken people due to colonialism. Prior to my country's independence in 1966, colonialism destroyed a people with division regarding the two major races : Afro Guyana and Indo Guyanese. In extreme cases, they continue to fight and kill each other, but hopefully, a newly formed government of National Unity might resolve some of the issues and bring peace and harmony to a united people.

 

 

As we have seen in other countries, when issue of inequality and racism are not addressed properly, they evolve into protests and race riots.

The First Nations Elders were tolerant to Canada's abuse, but the young are becoming impatient at the constant abuse of their freedoms and rights.

 

As Canadians, it is our responsibility to accept our First Nations sisters and brothers as equal people of Canada. If this issue is not addressed properly, it might evolve the consequences beyond our control. As individuals, the TRC report is our opportunity to begin reconciliation and healing with our First Nations people, because like forgiveness, an apology without action is meaningless.