Russell Pangborn
While historians already knew of the thousands of Indigenous children lost to disease and the harsh treatment at residential schools, the Canadian public was largely oblivious. Rediscovering the graves has made us all face the harm done by one culture deciding another culture had no value. Our government funded the forced re-education of an entire people, entrusting several branches of religion to manage this “saving of souls.” Unfortunately, some of them were brutal in the process.
We should celebrate that over 75 percent of us over the age of 12 have committed to vaccinations to save ourselves and to save our neighbours. But in this pandemic year we also need to remember that in pre-vaccination times around 60 percent of native Canadians died from diseases brought in by European settlers. With that in mind, here is a challenge for Canadians who benefited from these free vaccines: Pay it back, to the Indigenous community.
For those who are grateful for the vaccine and remorseful for your country’s past sins, the cost for each dose has been estimated at $35 to $40. If you can afford it, consider making a contribution. My own internet search brought me to a link to donate to Indigenous charities via Canada Helps. If you cannot afford it, consider making a small effort to inform your member of parliament of your wish that they recognize that it is time for Canada to step up its efforts to make amends for the tragedy of residential schools.