Native youth learn residential school history

Saskatchewan school preps students for upcoming TRC event in Saskatoon

Bishop Richard Gagnon of the Diocese of Victoria speaks at a Truth and Reconciliation event in Victoria April 13-14. Students from Riverside School in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan will attend the TRC Summit June 22 in Saskatoon. Special to The B.C. Catholic.

The B.C. Catholic has a story from the Prairie Messenger about Aboriginal youth in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan learning about the residential school history in preparation of an upcoming Truth and Reconciliation event. Madeleine Marchildon reports:

On May 17 at Riverside School in Prince Albert, some 260 Grade 7 students from Saskatchewan Rivers School Division gathered for an Education Day. These students will be attending the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Summit June 22 in Saskatoon. In preparation for this event, these students were given information on the whole TRC process and its findings.

Mona Markwart, principal of Riverside School, stated that students need to know their history about treaties -- what they say and what they don't say. The Minister of Education has set up a study of awareness about treaties and their impact. She added, "These students will be in a better position to take responsibility of their lives if they know their history. This will enable government and agencies to address the changes needed."

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.