The Daily State-Sponsored Abuse in Canada
Jul 16, 2021
Ian Austen, a New York Times correspondent renowned for his insightful coverage of Indigenous issues, sheds light on the painful legacy of Canada's residential school system. He recounts Garry Gottfriedson's harrowing experiences and discusses the trauma faced by Indigenous children. The talk also highlights the courageous stand taken by Indigenous mothers in the 1960s against this system. Recent discoveries of unmarked graves amplify calls for justice and healing within Indigenous communities, shining a light on a dark chapter of history.
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Meeting Garry Gottfriedson
- Ian Austen interviewed Garry Gottfriedson, a First Nations knowledge keeper and poet, in Kamloops, British Columbia.
- They explored Gottfriedson's childhood experiences, including his family's rodeo background and his mother's sharpshooting skills.
Early Trauma at Residential School
- At five years old, Gottfriedson was forced to attend Kamloops Indian Residential School.
- There, he witnessed and experienced abuse, including sexual abuse by a staff member and cruelty from nuns enforcing English.
Nun's Cruelty
- Gottfriedson recalls a Chilcotin girl being beaten by a nun for not speaking English.
- The girl later committed suicide after running away from the school.