Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,
I am writing this letter out of disappointment; the way that the Indigenous people have been treated by our country is not only unfair, but appalling. We have represented this country with a national anthem that states, “Land of the Free.” yet the people, who the land first belonged to, for many generations before the Europeans resided, were anything but free.
With the recent findings in Western Canada of more than 215 Indigenous children’s bodies it is clear that every single residential school property grounds across the country should be searched by all means necessary so that all these children may be reunited with their ancestors. So that their families may have some closure. I am asking that any remaining faculty of the schools be questioned and held accountable, that the Anglican church be held accountable for their role and that our government which preaches freedom so easily find a way to make things right or at least improve relations with the indigenous people of our country. Forgiveness is something that is earned not given!
We as a country owe so much to the survivors and to the deceased children and their families. I ask that going forward we are taught the beliefs and the actual events that led to our home in this land. That all survivors be compensated and offered the best medical assistance that is available, as no one should ever have had to live through the experience of the residential school system. I am blessed with a teacher that cares about us, that is always there to help whenever we need it, who teaches without consequences and who, if I needed anything, would be there for me. Our school is one of diversity where everyone feels safe and is protected and treated equal. So please give the funding to the recovery of these children so that there souls may be set free, so that they are finally home so that they may be safe in the arms of there people. So that they may be remembered.
Sincerely Yours,
Luke Thompson
Editor’s note: Like Thompson is a Grade 5 student at Southview Public School