I was given the opportunity to sit in on the North Peace Tribal Council's Women's Gathering and the knowledge I gained was incredible. I would like to share my interpretation of what I learned but please know that my opinions on this should not reflect Beaver First Nation, the University of Alberta, or the Engage North Program.
The first speaker was a social worker and assistant professor from Grant MacEwan University. She described what it was like being the daughter of a residential school survivor and explained how it affected her. I have often heard the term "intergenerational trauma" but I have never truly thought about how the generation after residential school survivors were affected thus impacting the indigenous communities today.
The speaker at the women's gathering explained that the children raised in residential schools were robbed of a normal childhood experience, and ended up being emotionally stunted and lacked emotional literacy. They did not learn what a parent should act like, and therefore when they had their own children they were unequipped to raise their children in a healthy and loving way.
Canadian residential schools began in the 1870's and the last one shut down in 1996. These schools were set up all across Canada, and the province with the highest density of residential schools was Alberta. The intent of residential schools was to abolish Indigenous culture and "kill the Indian in the child". Children were taken from their homes and forced to abandon everything they once knew. They were subject to physical, mental and sometimes sexual abuse. I have now met people who went to residential schools themselves and had the privilege of learning some of their stories. Their stories are not mine to share; but I encourage you to watch this video to hear the stories of other residential school survivors, follow the links, and do your own research.
In addition to the heavier topics I also learnt some more light-hearted Dene teachings.
If you play with fire you'll pee your bed
You have to be careful not to leave your hair anywhere, you have to collect it and burn it otherwise you'll have to come back in your afterlife and pick up ever piece of hair you left behind (because that hair is going to make up your angel wings)
You'll never be able to hunt if you step over your elders belongs
If you wear your shoes on the wrong feet you'll encounter a bear
Don't tease too much because you will start to take on the qualities you are teasing the person for
Don't make fun of handicapped people or your children will be handicapped
Don't whistle at the northern lights (or rub your nails together) it will bring them down to you and they can strike like lightning
While these cause and effect teachings may seem trivial to those who did not grow up with them, I think there are many subtle morals within them that make a lot of sense. These teachings encourage respect and kindness towards others and the world around you, as well as being attentive to details.
I am here working with Beaver First Nation as a youth intern, but first and foremost I am here to learn, and I am so grateful for every opportunity I have been given to do just that.