Healing Wounds, Reclaiming Spirit: Survivor Support on Turtle Island
The shadow cast by the Indian Residential School system on Turtle Island (North America) is long and profound, a legacy of forced assimilation, cultural destruction, and systemic abuse that has scarred generations of Indigenous peoples. While the last residential school closed decades ago, the trauma persists, manifesting as intergenerational pain, mental health crises, substance abuse, and a deep-seated erosion of cultural identity. In the face of this immense challenge, a vibrant, resilient, and culturally grounded network of support has emerged, driven primarily by Indigenous communities themselves, dedicated to healing the wounds and reclaiming the spirits of residential school survivors and their descendants.
The need for specialized support is critical because the trauma inflicted by residential schools was unique in its scope and intent. Over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their families, languages, and cultures, placed in institutions designed to "kill the Indian in the child." They suffered physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual abuse, endured neglect, and were forbidden from speaking their ancestral languages or practicing their traditions. This systematic assault on identity and well-being severed familial bonds, disrupted parenting practices, and instilled a profound sense of shame and loss that echoes through families today. Mainstream therapeutic models, often rooted in Western psychological frameworks, frequently fail to address the complex layers of colonial trauma, cultural disconnection, and historical grief that survivors carry.
Consequently, the most effective and impactful support initiatives are those that are Indigenous-led, culturally relevant, and holistic. These approaches recognize that healing is not merely the absence of symptoms but a journey of reclaiming identity, language, land connection, and spiritual well-being. They emphasize collective healing, community support, and the revitalization of traditional practices as powerful tools for recovery.
One of the most prominent and vital organizations in this landscape is the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS). Established in 1994, the IRSSS emerged from the grassroots efforts of survivors advocating for their rights and seeking justice. Based in British Columbia, its reach and influence extend across Canada, offering a comprehensive suite of services. These include crisis counselling, culturally appropriate therapy, legal assistance for those navigating the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) or pursuing other legal avenues, and support for accessing various government programs. Crucially, the IRSSS provides cultural support, connecting survivors with Elders, ceremonies, and traditional teachings, understanding that the reclamation of cultural pride and spiritual practices is fundamental to healing the deep wounds of residential school experiences. Their advocates work tirelessly to ensure survivors’ voices are heard and their needs are met, embodying the principle that "nothing about us without us."
Beyond direct services, the work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), born from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), serves as a foundational pillar of support. While not a direct service provider in the therapeutic sense, the NCTR is a permanent archive for the statements, documents, and other materials gathered by the TRC. By preserving the truths shared by survivors, the NCTR validates their experiences, ensures their stories are never forgotten, and educates the public about the residential school system’s devastating impact. This act of national truth-telling is, in itself, a profound form of collective support and reconciliation, providing a platform for survivors to be heard and acknowledged, fostering a sense of collective understanding that is essential for healing at both individual and societal levels. As former TRC Commissioner Marie Wilson often stated, "Truth is the essential foundation for reconciliation."
Across Turtle Island, communities are also developing localized, grassroots initiatives tailored to their specific needs and cultural practices. These often involve Elder-led healing circles, where survivors can share their experiences in a safe, confidential, and culturally appropriate setting, guided by traditional wisdom. Language revitalization programs are another critical form of support, as the loss of Indigenous languages was a direct consequence of residential schools. Reclaiming one’s ancestral language is a powerful act of resistance and healing, reconnecting individuals with their heritage and identity.
Land-based healing camps are gaining significant traction, particularly in remote communities. These programs take survivors and their families back to the land, offering opportunities to engage in traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, gathering medicines, and storytelling. Being on the land, a sacred connection for many Indigenous peoples, fosters spiritual renewal, physical well-being, and a sense of belonging that was denied in the residential school system. For instance, programs like those offered by the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society in British Columbia provide residential treatment rooted in Indigenous teachings, focusing on trauma, grief, and addiction recovery within a supportive, cultural framework. The KUU-US Crisis Line Society, also in British Columbia, offers a 24/7 crisis line specifically for Indigenous peoples, staffed by Indigenous responders who understand the unique cultural and historical context of callers, providing immediate and culturally sensitive support.
Government involvement, while historically problematic, is increasingly recognized as essential for funding and sustaining these vital services. The TRC’s Calls to Action, particularly those related to health and healing (e.g., Calls to Action 18-24), outline a clear path for government responsibility in supporting survivor well-being. These calls emphasize the need for culturally appropriate mental health services, long-term consistent funding for Indigenous healing centres, and the recognition of Indigenous healing practices. While progress has been made, consistent and adequate funding remains a persistent challenge, with many organizations operating on precarious budgets despite the immense demand for their services.
The journey of healing for residential school survivors is not linear, nor is it ever truly "finished." It is a lifelong process that requires ongoing support, understanding, and compassion. Challenges persist, including geographic barriers to accessing services in remote communities, the stigma sometimes associated with seeking help, and the sheer scale of the intergenerational trauma that continues to unfold. Many survivors, now Elders, are still grappling with the profound impact of their childhood experiences, while younger generations are seeking to understand and heal the trauma passed down to them.
Despite these immense challenges, the resilience of Indigenous peoples is a testament to their strength and spirit. The movement for survivor support is not just about addressing past harms; it is about fostering a future where Indigenous cultures thrive, where children grow up connected to their heritage, and where the cycle of trauma is broken through love, community, and self-determination. The ongoing work of organizations like IRSSS, NCTR, and countless local initiatives demonstrates a powerful commitment to healing, reclaiming identity, and building a stronger, healthier future for all Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. It is a journey of truth, reconciliation, and ultimately, a profound resurgence of spirit.
