Healing Movement & Cultural Revitalization
Much
progress has been made in the healing movement. This progress is the result of
the hard work, dedication, and commitment of thousands of individuals in
hundreds of communities.
Many Aboriginal people sought out knowledge holders in other
communities near and far to revive traditional spirituality, and to
re-introduce healing practices like smudging, the sweat lodge, the use of the
sacred pipe, fasting, vision quests, and ceremonies for naming, healing, and reconciliation.
At times, these practices conflicted with Christian teachings that had become a
part of some Native communities, but efforts were made to find common ground.
Mainstream perspectives on health and healing began to change, and
this led to a movement that centered on health promotion and healthy
communities. In 1978, the World Health Organization defined health as "not only
the absence of disease” but also as sharing control over those things which led
to health, a view in harmony with traditional Aboriginal concepts of healing.
Holistic approaches to health, which emphasize healthy lifestyles,
relationships, and communities, together with personal growth programs and
traditional spirituality and healing practices have all contributed to the efforts
to heal the intergenerational impacts of residential schools.
Today the schools have all been closed and much has been done to
try and repair the damages caused to generations of Aboriginal peoples. Healing
agencies and government support have been provided. Both the church groups who
ran the schools and the Government of Canada have offered apologies for the
damage that they knowingly inflicted on the innocent children in their care.
Monies have been made available for compensation to the victims of abuse.
Though it will be many years before the healing is complete, it is
important that all Canadians know that this is an era that will never be
repeated.
