UNREPENTANT - Canada's Hidden Genocide - Rev. Kevin Annett - Part 4of5

Summary

The transcript recounts a poignant narrative of systemic injustices faced by indigenous communities, particularly focusing on the horrors of residential schools in Canada. It delves into personal experiences of abuse, the struggle for justice, and the broader societal implications of these historical wrongs. The speaker calls for accountability, the recognition of genocide, and a shift in societal values to truly address and heal from these deep wounds.

Takeaways

• 😔 The speaker felt isolated and unsupported, with even family members suggesting self-reliance without acknowledging systemic challenges.
• 😡 There is a sense of betrayal and anger towards institutions like the United Church and RCMP, which were perceived as hindering justice and not adhering to their professed principles.
• 😢 The speaker lost faith in the church due to its failure to act in accordance with its own teachings and principles, particularly regarding historical injustices against indigenous peoples.
• 🏡 The residential schools are highlighted as places of abuse and murder, with the speaker urging the church and government to acknowledge these crimes and seek justice.
• 😰 The speaker and other indigenous individuals have suffered long-term trauma and intergenerational impacts from the abuses of the residential school system.
• 🙏 There is a call for the identification and proper burial of children who died in residential schools, emphasizing the need for recognition and respect for the deceased.
• 💔 The speaker recounts personal experiences and witnesses of abuse, including sexual abuse by church officials, and the subsequent cover-ups.
• 🌎 The speaker connects the abuse of indigenous peoples to broader societal issues, including environmental destruction and the loss of cultural heritage.
• 📢 There is a plea for international pressure and recognition of the atrocities committed, suggesting measures like boycotts to force accountability.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the complicity and silence of the broader Canadian society, urging individuals to confront the truth and seek justice.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial reaction to the challenges they faced?

The speaker felt overwhelmed and unsupported, with a sense of being at the bottom and having no one around to help, including family.

Why did the speaker feel the United Church and the RCMP were against them?

The speaker felt that the United Church and the RCMP were against them because they did not want certain truths about their past actions, such as the treatment of indigenous people and residential schools, to be brought to light.

What principles did the speaker expect the United Church to follow?

The speaker expected the United Church to follow the principles of humility and justice, as stated in their mission to walk humbly and seek justice in the world.

How did the speaker's perspective on indigenous people change over time?

Initially, the speaker had a vague and distant understanding of indigenous struggles. However, after witnessing the harsh realities and injustices faced by indigenous communities, their perspective changed to one of empathy and a desire for justice.

What was the speaker's realization about the impact of historical injustices on the present?

The speaker realized that historical injustices, such as the abuse and murder of indigenous children in residential schools, have lasting effects on the present, leading to issues like substance abuse, suicide, and social marginalization.

Why did the speaker feel compelled to speak out about the injustices they witnessed?

The speaker felt compelled to speak out because they believed in the principles of justice and truth, and they could not live with themselves knowing the truth and remaining silent about it.

What does the speaker suggest as a first step towards addressing the injustices of the past?

The speaker suggests that the first step should be identifying and properly burying the remains of children who died in residential schools, and acknowledging the truth of what happened to them.

What is the speaker's view on the role of religion in the historical and ongoing injustices?

The speaker views religion, particularly Christianity, as having been hijacked by wealthy institutions and used to justify and perpetuate injustices against indigenous people.

What does the speaker think is the responsibility of the current generation in addressing historical injustices?

The speaker believes that the current generation has a responsibility to confront the truth of historical injustices, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to work towards justice and healing for the affected communities.

How does the speaker feel about the potential for change and healing in society?

The speaker expresses a sense of hopelessness regarding the potential for change, given the continued power and influence of the institutions responsible for past injustices, but also a determination to keep fighting for truth and justice.