Thank you for the Sept. 26 stories about residential school memories and other matters. It was heartening to learn about Mark Atleo’s art teacher’s kindness and encouragement for Mark’s artistic talents. Mark’s acknowledgment of the benefit of finding a constructive tool (such as art) to use in coping with trauma as well as preserving and honouring his work also helped preserve and honour who Mark was then and is now.
This, along with other stories, told of the value of compassionate listening, understanding and respecting as important aspects for acknowledging and helping in the healing processes of trauma survivors.
There also seemed to be in Eddy Charlie’s story, some recognition of the benefit of helping any persons suffering from past trauma, pull themselves out of rabbit holes of wallowing in wounds to a positive place of wider perspective, strength, understanding and ability to help others. Mark Atleo’s final comment that “we’re all the same people” also serves to highlight the fact that the reason for the general loss of peace in our society is that we, as a people, have forgotten that we belong to each other. The Moose Hide Campaign founded by Raven Lacerte to “inspire men to take a look at their actions” also shines a light on the need to remedy the pain that violence brings not only to the recipients but also the community, and ultimately, to the perpetrators.
Given the impending elections, this would be an excellent time for both individual voters and potential leaders to examine the criteria they are using for assuring sound government and whether the criteria includes a clear understanding of much-needed principles such as empowering positive personal autonomy, family functionality and promoting the common good of all, thereby bringing back trust, confidence, health, prosperity and growth for society as a whole.
Mary Moreau
Sidney
