Children learn together

When Kanesatake Education Center (KEC) director Watsenniiostha Nelson decided to start collaborating more with local schools surrounding the community back in the spring, she never dreamed of the success her initiative would see come the fall.

On Tuesday, around 300 students and staff from neighbouring schools joined forces with the KEC and the Kanesatake Health Center (KHC) for a Truth and Reconciliation Walk, with participants from Rotiwennakéhte School, Ratiehén:te High School, St Jude Elementary School, Lake of Two-Mountains High School, École des Pins, École Secondaire d’Oka, and Mountainview Elementary School donning orange for the event.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting the turn out to be as big as it was, but in the end it really ended up growing,” said KEC director Watsenniiostha Nelson. “We were very happy with the turnout. It was absolutely amazing to see all the youth that joined in on the day.”

The walk was held the day after the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which was marked on September 30, and started at Ecole des Pins. The groups heard opening words from organizers about the meaning behind the walk, and gathered together for lunch and more speeches at the Lacrosse Box. They even had a social, which was a heartwarming moment of unity between the students.

“It was so nice to see, and it’s good for them to learn as well, and listen to our stories, listen to Indigenous communities and what we have to say about these events, so thye know why we’re wearing orange, and why they’re walking to commemorate those who attended these schools,” Nelson said. “It’s important for them to know the reason why.”

Nelson hopes events like this can mark a path forward for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in the area, and could make a long-term impact on everybody involved.

“Hearing our stories and talking to our community members to learn from us is, I think, the best way to go about reconciliation,” Nelson said.

“It starts with the kids as educators, and it’s important for us to be teaching the proper history, so that when these kids grow up into adults, they already know and they’ll be able to pass down that knowledge to their kids too.”

Having an in-person event where students could physically walk together and chat with one another was an especially productive way of practicing reconciliation, Nelson said.

“I think sometimes schools struggle on what they should do on September 30th,” she said. “But what better way than to learn from us as Indigenous people who come from these communities and have families that unfortunately attended residential schools? I think that’s why it’s so important to invite the surrounding schools to our territory.”

Nelson’s father, Jeffrey Nelson, said he was moved to see the impact his daughter’s actions are having on the youth in the community and beyond.

“She’s a true leader, we’re so proud of everything she is accomplishing,” he said. “She loves her community and the youth.”

Watsenniiostha said she’s hoping to repeat the event in future years, and grow it even bigger than it already is, so that children inside and outside the community can understand the true meaning of “Every Child Matters”.

“I’m proud of everyone who participated and I hope it’s something they remember for years to come,” she said.

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