Kootenay Residential School survivors met in ʔaq̓am for a group healing event to address past traumas.
Denise Birdstone, ʔaq̓am Language and Culture Manager, says confronting traumatic memories can be helpful for survivors’ mental health.
“We’re having a gathering of all of the former students who are still alive because many of us are aging and we thought it would be great to bring everyone together,” said Birdstone.
“We’ll share stories, and memories and have a little bit of time to take care of ourselves.”
Birdstone attended the school as a child, she was seven years old when it closed in 1970.
“I was one of the last students to attend, so I don’t have a lot of vivid memories left. By getting together and sharing stories, we can revive those memories,” said Birdstone.
“Part of the healing process is talking to others who had the same shared experiences so you can build some strength to continue the healing process.”
After the school closed, the building remained in the ʔaq̓am community as a reminder of the trauma inflicted on Indigenous people.
In 1992, the Ktunaxa Nation reclaimed the former residential school and turned it into an economic powerhouse for the community as the St. Eugene Resort.
“We were able to take that school and turn it into a tourism venue,” said Denise.
“While it is still there and visible and may cause pain to some people, it is also benefitting our whole nation, as the resort is owned by all five Ktunaxa communities.”
Birdstone said the Kootenay Residential School Survival and Healing of Warriors event is meant for former students and their families.
“We realize that a lot of former students have passed away, so there is an opportunity for their families to attend,” said Denise.
“We’d like to have the former students come together, share memories and participate in each other’s healing process.”
The event opened Friday and will continue into Saturday, ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Sept. 30.
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