Canadian residential school survivors were honoured by Blood Tribe elder Charlie Fox with blankets during a ceremony on Monday. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

‘Deeds over words’: Indigenous allies, leaders urge action as part of reconciliation process

Sep 30, 2024 | 4:50 PM

“Facta per verba.”

In English, those Latin words mean “deeds over words”, a key part of a speech delivered by former Crown prosecutor and honorary Blood Tribe chief James Langston on Monday.

“Do things, just don’t talk about it,” Langston told about 100 people gathered at Medicine Hat College for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event.

“In my view, when we talk about truth and reconciliation, we’re missing a vital part, and that is restoration,” he said.

“If indeed we are intent on admitting our guilt for what has been done to Indigenous People, we need to do more than simply mouth the platitudes.”

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The former lawyer pointed to the Blood Tribe’s land dispute with the Canadian government as an example where Ottawa’s words supporting reconciliation did not match its actions.

“The federal government, who has professed to have a fiduciary relationship with Indigenous People…apparently can evaporate quickly,” Langston said.

Other institutions go beyond mere platitudes and have tangible action, he continued.

An example, he said, is the college, who created a sacred place for Indigenous People.

“It’s a place to gather, it’s a place to gather, it’s a place to regenerate, seek comfort, seek guidance, and find your culture again.”

The circular room in the college is named after the father of Blood Tribe elder Charlie Fox, who ran a blanket ceremony for those who survived Canada’s residential school system.

Fox said his ceremonial blanket — that he’s had for over three decades — is his protection.

“My blanket is like a shield for me, protects me every day,” he said, adding it also signifies him as an elder.

He then gave about a dozen survivors a blanket, too.

“Today, we’ll be honouring the people that rightly deserve that, working here in our community, the doers, the ones that speak of and live the life of reconciliation,” Fox said.

“I honour you with the blanket.”

Those who spoke on Monday said Sept. 30 is more than the annual federal holiday that first started in 2021 in response to one of the calls to action from a reconciliation commission.

Dr. Nancy Brown, the college’s academic vice president and provost, said it’s about “reconcili-action” — combining reconciliation and action together.

“It signifies that meaningful action is vital component of the reconciliation process,” said Brown.

“It goes beyond mere awareness or acknowledgement.”

Photos

Here are photos from the event.