Dear editor:
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, the Right Relations Circle of the Rainy River District hosted a gathering to listen to perspectives on the incident at the high school, and to discuss our responsibility in the larger community to model an environment of respect based on solid knowledge of the history and culture of our area.
The opening ceremonies and prayers encouraged us to speak from the heart, and the newly-formed Multicultural Youth Group inspired us all as they shared their feelings and their plans for specific ways to work on the larger patterns of disrespect within the high school.
Speaker after speaker, aboriginal and non-aboriginal, each in their own way underlined our separation as peoples, and many called for teaching the complete history of this area, including the culture and contributions of the First Nations.
There was a strong emphasis on the possibilities for transformation in the whole community arising from this incident, rather than the punishment of a few students.
Transformation will require a willingness to listen and speak from the heart.
One adult participant spoke eloquently about the effects of racial injustice on his own life, and said he was willing to do whatever it took to make change, including walking hand-in-hand down Scott Street—aboriginal and non-aboriginal, young and old.
Another speaker reminded us that transformation also will require that we keep at it—doing what it takes to embed aboriginal history and culture in the curriculum.
We adults also need to learn more. Some of us in the Right Relations Circle suggested institutions like Confederation College, the Fort Frances Museum, or the churches could play a role in our education in these matters.
The Right Relations Circle is committed to support initiatives in this area and also to take action ourselves. We invite anyone who is interested to join us.
Please call Janice Boneham (274-4543) or Janet Loney (482-2585).
(Signed),
Dorothy Friesen
and Janet Loney
On behalf of the
Right Relations Circle
of Rainy River District
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
