Survivor calls for learning and connection at reconciliation event

“As a survivor, I’m not looking for pity from anyone because I am a survivor,” he said.

Ballantyne attended the Prince Albert Indian Residential School and Timber Bay Residential School. His family has seen how that experience affected him.

“In order for my children and my grandchildren to understand who I am and where I come from and why it is important that they know the history within their own family, that history is to never be forgotten,” he said.

He said in his community, the youngest residential school survivor is just 38 years old, a reminder that the experiences being remembered are within living memory.

“What many people don’t understand when it comes to the survivors is the pain is still very real, because it was very recent,” he said.

Members of the public gathered at PAGC Urban Services for the NDTR and Orange Shirt Day event, enjoyed music and cake. (Image Credit: paNOW Staff)

When asked about participation from people outside the Indigenous community at Wednesday’s event, Ballantyne said greater understanding could encourage more people to attend.

In conversations with non-Indigenous people, he said he has encountered surprise that a residential school operated in Prince Albert.

“The more education we put out there, we hope that more people come and join us,” he said.

His invitation was for people to listen, ask questions and spend time with survivors.

“It’s too easy to point fingers or blame people,” he said. “It’s a lot more challenging to educate them, to help them understand, to sit with us, to talk to us.”

Ballantyne also urged residents to show compassion toward people experiencing homelessness and addictions in Prince Albert, and to consider the continuing effects of residential schools when discussing those struggles.

CUPE volunteers served free and freshly made soup and bannock for those needing a hearty meal. (Image Credit: paNOW Staff)

Elsewhere at the event, CUPE Local 5430 volunteers prepared to offer a free meal of homemade hamburger soup and bannock.

Candace Lavoie said volunteers were representing two union committees, including its Indigenous committee, to raise awareness and give back to the community.

Lavoie had been up since 4 a.m. making soup, while CUPE staff representative Mira Lewis began preparing bannock the previous day.

“Especially in this location, there’s a lot of people that are in need that could use a hot meal,” Lavoie said.

The volunteers planned to serve food from 2 to 4 p.m., or until they ran out.

For Ballantyne, the day’s message extended to everyone in Prince Albert and the surrounding area. Learning about survivors’ experiences, he said, is part of understanding both the past and its effects on families today.

“My message to all our people of Prince Albert and areas, education is key.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Survivor calls for learning and connection at reconciliation event

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