New book sets free the soul

Page 3

The Secwepemc Cultural Education Society in Kamloops has produced a new book titled Behind Closed Doors-Stories from the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

The 200 pages of text and photographs provide a testament to events that took place at Kamloops Indian Residential School where Native children experienced mental, spiritual, emotional and physical abuse and trauma.

The school was operated from 1893 to 1977 as part of the federal government's residential school policy to "civilize and evangelize" Indian people, to assimilate them. The schools were generally operated in partnership with religious organizations with a joint goal of removing children from the "harmful" influence of their "uncivilized" parents and Indian traditions.

Behind Closed Doors was developed by the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society under the direction of an advisory group made up of residential school survivors, health care professionals, and community members.

The project was funded by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, which was formed by the federal government to address the need for healing from the abuses endured at residential schools across the nation.

The project encouraged 32 individuals to come forward to tell their stories about their experiences at Kamloops residential school as part of their healing journeys by providing them with a safe and culturally appropriate environment in which to share. In finding the courage from within to contribute to the book, that in its selling will provide funds for the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society, these souls have given themselves the gift of renewal.

After years of tortured silence and denial, contributors have unburdened themselves, many recalling memories and describing painful events for the first time. In breaking down their personal barriers, they have opened windows of opportunity for others of like mind and similar experience.