20 | Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
sion held hearings in eighteen communities throughout the Territories and northern Quebec (Nunavik) from March to May 2011. The Northern Hearings were an opportunity for residential school survivors, who otherwise might not be able to attend the Northern National Event, to inform the Commission and Canadians of the unique experiences of children who attended the schools in Canada's North. Through extensive daily media coverage, the hearings helped inform the public about the Commission's work and statement-gathering process, and provided survivors with time to reflect and share their experiences in leading up to the Northern National Event.
During the community hearings, more than 550 survivors in the North shared their personal experiences with the Commission, and inspired the Northern National Event theme. Prior to each future National Event, the Commission will be holding community hearings in the region in which the event is being held.
The Northern National Event was the largest event of its kind ever held in Inuvik. Organizing it was no small undertaking.
- One thousand survivors travelled to Inuvik by car, bus, boat, and plane.
- Hotels and nearby camps were filled to capacity, while 100 families opened their homes to welcome participants.
- Simultaneous translation was provided in Chipewyan, Dogrib, Gwich'in, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, North Slavey, South Slavey, and French.
- The Department of National Defence flew 30,000 kilograms of technical equipment and essential services from Edmonton to Inuvik in a Hercules aircraft.
The Northern National Event began with the lighting of the Sacred Fire and the Qulliq, the traditional Inuit oil lamp. The opening ceremony included drumming, prayers, speeches by the representatives of the parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, and the transferring of the ashes from the Sacred Fire from the first National Event held in Winnipeg.
Following the opening ceremonies, six individuals from four continents were inducted as official Honourary Witnesses for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. They observed the proceedings and accepted the responsibility of sharing what they have learned with peoples around the world. They also worked with local youth to bear witness to each day's activities.
During the event, survivors expressed themselves through Commissioners' Sharing Panels, Sharing Circles, and private statement gathering. There were approximately 120 trained health support workers on the ground, many of whom were Aboriginal and former students themselves. They worked tirelessly to provide support to those who needed it.
A Dialogue on Resilience was facilitated with a group of survivors who have exemplified courage and strength throughout their lives, resulting in public achievements. It was an inspirational event, and provided insight into the critical factors that led to these successes.
A particularly touching event was the birthday party for the former students that was held to mark all the birthdays that went uncelebrated at residential school.
The parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement took part in the Circle of Reconciliation. These elected leaders and senior officials, including the premier of the Northwest Territories, himself a former residential school student, spoke of forging new relationships between Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians.
The program also provided opportunities for learning about the residential school experience.
- Expressions of Reconciliation—opportunities for individual organizations and representatives of the parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement to make statements, presentations, or apologies directly to survivors.
- The Learning Place—through speakers, posters, photographs, and videos, the history of residential schools in Canada was explored, with a particular focus on the northern schools that were included in the Settlement Agreement.
- The Churches' Listening Area—survivors were provided with an opportunity to share their experience in one-to-one meetings with church representatives.
- Interactive Traditional Sports History and Demonstrations with Elders—dialogue on traditional sports history and its cultural importance.
- Children and Youth Programming—cultural activities, sports, education, and artistic expression were highlighted.
- Special Film Screenings—screenings of My Own Private Lower Post and The Experimental Eskimos, two films about the residential experience impacts on northern Aboriginal people.
- Daily Call to Gather—hosted by a master of ceremonies, a video summary of the day's activities, which included the sharing of experiences by the Honourary Witnesses for that day.
Evening activities were intended to showcase Aboriginal cultures. These included:
- A special, historical, concert performance—acknowledging the history of northern people and residential
