Saamis Tepee lit in orange to remember 215 children found (Courtesy Scott Roblin Chat News)

By Chantal Wagner

Outpouring of support at vigil for residential school victims

Jun 4, 2021 | 10:16 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A vigil was held in Medicine Hat Thursday night to honour the victims of the tragic discovery at a Kamloops residential school.

The evening was a chance for awareness, healing, and reflection.

It was a powerful and emotional night at the Saamis Tepee as the sounds of drums filled the air.

Supporters gathered around 215 pairs of shoes, each representing a child that was found.

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Heartbreaking stories were also shared by residential school survivors.

Elder Charlie Fox with the Kainai Nation is one survivor.

He went to residential school in 1954 at 7 years old.

“Five minutes after it was like getting run over by a train,” Fox told Chat News.

Reliving his past is painful, he says he’s never seen so much violence in all his life.

“I couldn’t even cry, all I did was shake,” he said.

The vigil had a lot of meaning for those in attendance.

John and Colleen say being here really deepens the story, a part the couple says has been missing in Canada for so many years.

“I think the visual of just being in this space and the visual behind me with the actual shoes has a real impact,” Colleen said.

“These stories are so important and seeing so many people out here tonight is really moving,” John added.

Along with songs, poems, and dances shared, the evening was also a night of heritage and remembrance for Eden and Erica.

“We came out here to support our ancestors and our grandfather. Our grandfather went to a residential school and it’s been hard over the years to find our First Nations background,” Erica explained.

With vehicles and supporters wrapped around the tepee, the vigil was overwhelming for the Miywasin Friendship Centre.

Brenda Mercer wants the community to know that they are always here to answer questions. She says to not be afraid to call as we all connect, heal, and learn our shared history.

“Look at the similarities rather than the differences,” Mercer said. “And also reach out it’s okay to just call and not know what to say we can start that conversation.”

“We need to walk side by side,” Elder Fox added. “We need to have an understanding and compassion for each other.”

Wiyan Waste (Good Woman) Ogle also spoke to the crowd at the vigil and shared what her elders and her father taught her.

“Elder Harry Watchmaker told me one of the seven ways of healing is to cry so let your tears out, cry, and then after that tell a joke and laugh because that’s another way to heal,” Ogle told Chat News.