A residential school survivor shares his story of trauma and healing

[@jambewoot6557]

You can hear the sadness in his voice, so sad😢

[@RS-oi9ty]

Amen, brother. I see the same quiet anguish in my father, but he never lets us know what happened to him. My mother is angry, but my father has such infinite sadness. You describe so well how the healing of Canada needs to happen. Meegwetch. May your healing continue🙏🏽.

[@cdelorenzo6773]

These poor little children! Dear God.. the abuse they suffered was unconscionable. May the nuns & priest's rot in hell!!

[@wuffa4503]

and this church hierachy claim to be followers of Christ!!!Any catholics who still think our creator approves of this organization get out your bible,,you know,,the book these people claim to follow??!!!Remember in John what Jesus said would be the one main thing that would identify his true followers?LOVE!!!!John 13:35,leviticus 19;18.When Jesus walked the earth he welcomed the little children to him and showed them love and told his disciples to be like children,to be innocent and without prejudice and to be teachable like the children.But he condemned the religious leaders because they were cold and cruel.Does any one in their right mind think he would call the catholic clergy his brothers as he did his disciples???He told the scribes and pharisees they were from their father the devil and do the works of their father.John 8:44.Clearly the clergy do the works of their father the devil.

[@bushraadan4358]

Amen

[@kristinwagemakers9085]

I’m sending you love and prayers for healing. I’m sorry you had to endure this. My heart breaks for what happened and continues to happen. ❤

[@Mykahl1]

Thank you for being brave enough to share your story Michael.. I am brought to tears every time I hear a survivor speak about their experiences at one of these schools. I absolutely agree with you, all Canadians need to come together with respect for the Indigenous culture and an understanding of what took place so that for once, equality, acceptance and retribution can be had across the span of this country. Much love and respect to you. ❤️

[@cdelorenzo6773]

The government & the Pope need to address what they did to these kids!! Such sadistic cruelty!!!!

[@wuffa4503]

the Pope??????? you mean like the popes took care of pedophile priests??????What a joke!!!!

[@amandaphilip8396]

@@wuffa4503 he’s responsible for all his perverted little minions and if you do very minimal digging you can see where the pope himself has been moved around to avoid sex abuse charges with in the perversion of the church…it’s pathetic how easy it is to find sexual abuse cases this institution is responsible for. World wide!

[@myfoot_urneck3571]

The residential school system in Canada was beyond horrendous and disgusting. This elder's sad, heart-wrenching story reflects the unfortunate reality of many native children stolen away from their families and forced into these awful schools made for cultural assimilation. The recent Truth & Reconciliation Commission was somewhat of an embarrassment as well - the Canadian government has done more than enough damage already and by simply saying "sorry" in a public realm absolutely does NOT change a damn thing about the tyrannical history, nor does it fix or heal ALL the pain and suffering that still continues to exist today because of the residential schools. 💪💕

[@ruthmartinez7728]

These survivors need help, healing, counseling, support and the Country of Canada should still be able to be sued for the wrongful acts . I’m am so sick to my stomach right now.

[@MissMichSan]

Yes!

[@josephstalin5751]

As a Canadian native of the Inuit people I will never be able to forgive the government for what they did to my people. Atleast 3000 of my people were assimilated and beaten into the white mans traditions and or practices. It’s just impossible for me to believe human beings could deal that way with other human beings.

[@ABSG7]

Why would anyone want to rid them of their culture?!?! It’s sick

[@sunmaw108]

Because the settlers wanted to brainwash them. It breaks my heart to think about it.

[@gretabenoit2415]

I am so sorry! I have such a hard time in this world. I can't comprehend humans treating other humans like they don't belong here or they are less or ANYONE is more than the other

[@heatherperrinostaff6683]

This is an amazing interview. I'm not sure if you might see this comment so long after the interview but thank you for sharing your story. You are a brave and strong man who didn't deserve to be treated like this - no child should have had their childhood stolen away.

[@bradneary3260]

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Michael this evening at St. John’s Norway Anglican Church in Toronto. He is a remarkable man doing courageous work. I pray for his continued personal healing.

[@wendyc3777]

I am so sorry.I am sorry for the people before me,who harmed you in the worst ways.You should have never been stripped of the beautiful ways of who you were.I hear you and I see you.

[@jessiearturothunder8768]

I'm full blooded cree my grandfather was a trapper along with my uncle's because my parents were in residential schools I don't know my language I can't teach my son our language the trauma they endured is still felt today. Shame on you Canada I have to tell my son what his grandparents experienced

[@Mykahl1]

Jessie Arturo Thunder know that many non-indigenous people are allies, myself included, and that we wish that this atrocious injustice was never a reality. It is truly the ugliest stain on the history of this land and certainly it’s effects are still echoing through the communities. Sending my love ♥️

[@myfoot_urneck3571]

I'm part native (one of the last generations on my father's side sadly) - Algonquin and Metis. The inter-generational effects are REAL! My 13 year old daughter had to pick a project topic recently and she picked Canadian residential schools. I have been teaching her a lot of the horrendous, unspoken truths that government still tries to hide and deny. The reality is a harsh and scary one, but i believe we are stronger than they think we are, especially when our tribes stand united in solidarity. 💪 Much love! 💕

[@peerasif2965]

Education is right of every human .But in a polite and lovely way not to abuse them and not to torture kids.very sad to hear this all happened in Canada.

[@123okittydogcookie6]

Its really sad to see ppl from a long time ago suffered this and me im acting like a brat like really :( i feel so awful for them they dont even get to meet to their parents sometimes they can be raped and sometimes they can starve for not even getting good marks for their exams 😢 im 11 and i just wanted to know how it felt to be in the olden times and now i know ;( im wishing this guy all the best from the suffer! :( i beg you all thr best :(

[@Mykahl1]

123okittydog Cookie this was not that long ago.. and the effects of residential school still echo through the Indigenous community.

[@davidortega357]

I remember the native american movie running brave story of billy mills how whites would be mad ar them for being drunks and other hangups it stands to reason these schools and schools and govenment are to blame

[@elisatinsley5181]

This makes me cry and all I want to do is give him a hug. I wish there was a way to rectify all of that pain :(

[@christianquadrini9186]

So sad to realize if the parents refused to send their kids they would be jailed and the kid would be sent anyways. At that point your only options are: lose your family, or flee and live as a fugitive for the rest of your life

[@LucyTheCatGirl.]

This is sad that they had to be treated poorly ;( 😢😭

[@powerofloveism]

The Monarchy was behind it all , when the Doctor responsible for reporting thee abuse of these children did just that and reported his findings to Government they fired him. The Queen and her husband were seen leaving one of the Residential Schools with several of the children and not returning the children to the school and when the Residential school survivor was going to testify in court to witnessing this , he suddenly became deathly ill and died. There is a Nurse on You Tube who was taking care of him , his name was William Combs. She said he was in good health in hospital up until he was to leave to go testify against the Queen and Prince Phillip.

[@joejoe809]

Nonsense !

[@dylanschwager7903]

Who here can imagine this going on until 2000 ? I can...Everyone should know.

[@rikbison7343]

Doing some research on Adolf Hitler I found that he liked reading about how the European immigrants were treating the Indigenous people - he reworked the manner in which THE FINAL SOLUTION - (also first coined by a Canadian [Duncan Campbell Scott in 1910] newsmaven.io/indiancountrytoday/archive/hitler-said-to-have-been-inspired-by-us-indian-reservation-system-V3MQ5A4QjU2GDXxTL980_w/) and The Canadian Indian Act which was implemented in 1876 and still administered and followed by Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) - this Act inspired the South African Apartheid. troymedia.com/viewpoint/indigenous-apartheid-system-canada/ Yes, everyone should know that Canada's foundation is racism. What did Pierre Elliot Trudeau say when the First Peoples did not sign the White Paper Policy? [And We do hereby strictly forbid, on Pain of our Displeasure, all our loving Subjects from making any Purchases or Settlements whatever, or taking Possession of any of the Lands above reserved, without our especial leave and Licence for that Purpose first obtained. And We do further strictly enjoin and require all Persons whatever who have either wilfully or inadvertently seated themselves upon any Lands within the Countries above described. or upon any other Lands which, not having been ceded to or purchased by Us, are still reserved to the said Indians as aforesaid, forthwith to remove themselves from such Settlements.]

[@Mykahl1]

It was actually 1996 when the first residential school closed in Canada, but damn close to 2000. Sadly, there is still so much prejudice, stereotyping and racism in this country... everyone should have to learn about what happened so that as a country we can come together and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. ❤️

[@Rani97]

We hear you. Sending love.

[@Syd-o5k]

Waychay Brother, takes raw courage to express yourself in that way which is unknown to the world. The World does not help HEALING its the responsibility of the individual to undertake such a journey. U been turned inside out only to begin from there, its all uphill, U go it alone, find Ur way back Home, Meegwetch, AllMyRelations !!!

[@Syd-o5k]

BABY, I was born one year after and went to that church and did not like it B/C I had to put money into collection, LOL

[@arfathkhan578]

USA🇺🇸, CANADA🇨🇦, SOUTH AFRICA🇿🇦, AUSTRALIA🇳🇿 AND NOW PALESTINE🇵🇸 & Xinjiang🏳! Apart from supporting these first nations indigenous people, Please stand with those indigenious who are being colonised and oppressed today!

[@MJessieq]

I found out about survivors from the book The 27 Deaths of Toby Obed... I can't imagnine these pain, these hurts... You are incredible that you survived these all... I'm listen what you saying and I can't stop crying... The only thnigs we can do is told your story a lot of people... All good for You

[@luciaschoice1280]

It makes me cringe just the thought of these monsters that held the Bible in their hands to cover their devil ways. My heart will cry for a long time for all these lost souls . Being a mother of two beautiful children...This hits me hard and I hold them tight. Having someone walk in my home and forcefully take my children away is every parents nightmare 😭💔 ANY GOVERNMENT AROUND THE WORLD THAT DID THIS OR IS STILL DOING THIS ....SHAME ON YOU !!! IM DISGUSTED WITH SOME HUMANS THAT COME TO THIS WORLD TO JUST HURT AND CAUSE SO MUCH PAIN TO OTHERS. RACISM BREAKS MY HEART. 💔

[@rikbison7343]

I like this line: I think the non indigenous peoples (or Canadians) need to become allies, subs or allies with the First Nations - Indigenous peoples and then learn about the history...of a THE TRUE HISTORY OF CANADA. i.e. How did Canada become owners of the land - - what happened to THE ROYAL PROCLAMATION issued by King George III in 1763 - - - However, the Royal Proclamation explicitly states that Aboriginal title has existed and continues to exist, and that all land would be considered Aboriginal land until ceded by treaty.

[@rikbison7343]

Looking at the history of the colonists - - - I often wondered - and still do - why is it a natural thing for FINE UPSTANDING CANADIANS to look down on the First Peoples, living from prejudice and certainly not knowing the true Canadian History. IMO Canada was founded by immigrants and it is natural for them to help other immigrants and look at indifference to the First Peoples.

[@ARCOFJUPITER]

This is correct. The true history of Canada.

[@NadineAnimation]

my mother was in residential schools for a long time that when she were to raise her kids she was terrified they and including me were gonna get taken away even tho It was only early 2010s she was traumatized that she never reached us Cree and cutted our hair very short so that they wont do it to us. But she's doing better now I hope, I never see her as much anymore

[@GameReality]

All of these kids, now adults, need to be interviewed so that the world can hear what these schools is all about.

[@deneecegriswold8264]

How could those people say that they wanted to civilized some one when they were not civilized themselves?

[@Syd-o5k]

Water is very high it did take much more rising for the church to almost float away only to be hauled back in by my grandfathers and others, Yeah, they saved the church !!!

[@loritenant6643]

I am native and I am 8 years old and I don't know my legueg because of the people that went to that kinda school and today I went to see a residential school and when I was 6 years old I went to a ceramony there and me and my mom looked at the history and I did not know that we had are own legueg to this day I now know 2 words of my legueg ona and gwnalukewa and I dance in a pow wow and I could not imagine not dancing I even do it at school and y house

[@Bozewani]

the abuse that first nations children endured the attempt at normalization is brutal healing from that

[@highperformancedan]

? what is legueg and gwnalukewa and ona and pow wow???

[@iceyyy47]

Daniel Kim language obviously.

[@iceyyy47]

I know the people who put First Nations people in residential schools are disgusting! Bc look at the out come of what they did many little indigenous kids don't know their language because of what they did they ripped their culture from them oh it makes me so mad! I hope they burned in hell.

[@guichiproduction3005]

I hate people like you. People who can't read through a typo lmao like i'd say wanna hang our and you'd say what lmao

[@laurakyplain2413]

We are strong from our ancestors, their spirits guide and protect us; culture is strength

[@rongt859]

In Australia they are called the stolen generation

[@storyboardproductions]

The true history of Canada... needs to be told.

[@museme6945]

The first commandment is "thou shalt not kill" isn't it? You'll never catch me in a church. Such crimes against humanity, against innocent kids- unforgivable!

[@wuffa4503]

there is only one religious organization on this earth that teaches the truths of the bible,and are an earth wide brotherhood who refuse to kill their fellow man of any religion and are friends despite heritage and politics or culture,like jews and palistinians,because they recognize they are required by their creator Jehovah to recognize that all dna combinations were created in to the first human pair,so no race is superior to another.

[@amgropp2180]

It's disgusting that our country used to be like that.

[@ameliamorganm9808]

I hear you.

[@powerofloveism]

Natives need to Band together ( no pun intended) and push like hell to get the Indian Act Scrapped on the Grounds that when the Act was formed the parents of all of these children didn't have a chance to fight for their children because ( On the Grounds that they( the Native parents) were Illiterate and didn't understand the nature of thee agreement as they were " Tricked" due to the fact they didn't understand the English Language laid out in the Indian Act. I am German Dutch Irish but , on mom's side Great Granny was Cherokee, Kidnapped by someone who sold her to a Rich Doctor in Parry Sound Ont. She didn't know she was Part native until her adoptive mother told Granny the truth while the old lady was on her death bed. Granny was destroyed by this. We aren't all Aboriginal , but we are Canadians and I would stand along side the Natives if they decide to push to have the Indian Act Scrapped. We are all one and we need to stand as ONE People and get Canada back where it belongs.

[@cheripatrick910]

Autogenerated captions are inadequate. Please make accessible by providing proper captions. Thank you.

[@tammygronskei1993]

It's not right what was done to Indians people being forced to do things by the government is wrong.

[@briannanantel8462]

they're not Indians. They are aboriginal peoples. get it right

[@123forafurry]

Brianna Nantel akdjsjakak not india indians. We call ourselves indians because we are. but not like INDIAns. Native americans. Indiaaanss. Damn dude get it right

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

this is so damn sad

[@joex2504]

It's about time to tell the truth, just the truth, all the truth. Otherwise, this country will be destroyed from the inside.

[@lostammo9026]

So sad what happened back in those days the parents wanted the best for them but they got tricked

[@ElizabethHurtado-py8ur]

🇺🇸🦋

[@childrenslivesmatter3073]

Sounds some what like what the catholic church did to kids in the US. Best wishes my friend.

[@tataeffendi1953]

Would u still be a Catholic ?

[@davidortega357]

Nope catholic religion is wrong on all accounts my mom and dad were born catholic in mexico my parents are native they began to read the.the bible on there own time they got saved born again in christ they were so blessed i continue the faith as a new way christian ACTS 238 the Catholic church did a lot of abuse in mex and usa on t v they say if you been rape or abuse by the RCC preacher. Report them but that abuse is going on all over the world by sex traflickers govenment gangs religious fanatics and pedo men and women

[@animaleyes4733]

😢

[@UncleJoeMusic]

Can you believe some people in this sad country tell our people to "get over it"?