Standing with the Nations event on August 11th. (Abby Zieverink/Everything GP)

By Abby Zieverink

gathering for reconciliation

Rising Above event hoped to help take step forward in reconciliation

Aug 12, 2021 | 6:03 AM

Close to 100 people gathered at the Muskoseepi Park Amphitheater Wednesday evening in an effort to take a step forward in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples who lived through the residential schooling system in Canada, and those who have been affected by intergenerational trauma.

The event, Standing with the Nations, was led by Rising Above; a faith-based addiction treatment centre in Grande Prairie, who does work with Indigenous peoples across the province to navigate their journey through grieving and healing.

Rising Above Business Development Manager and Standing with the Nations organizer Stephanie Hudson says after hearing the news of the 215 children whose remains were found buried at a former Kamloops residential school, she and the organization felt compelled to take a step in true reconciliation.

“I just felt in my heart we needed to do something and I said to myself, ‘we keep waiting for people to say something, but we the people, the everyday people, need to say something,'” said Hudson.

“We need to acknowledge the atrocities that happened in order to have true reconciliation and restoration of the friendly relations between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people.”

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The evening started with an apology speech from Rising Above Executive Director Mel Siggelkow. He apologized on behalf of himself, the board, the staff at Rising Above, and on behalf of pastors and Christian leaders.

“To the Indigenous and Metis people who may be here tonight, we are sorry for the atrocities,” he said. “We have used the injustices of the system in the name of Christ, we recognize the pain that has negatively impacted generations, and to you again, we say, we are sorry.”

Former Rising Above clients Sylvia Badger and Teri Lynne Badger both spoke about their experience at Rising Above at the event. Both were affected by intergenerational trauma from residential schools.

“Rising above played a huge role in saving my life and this event means everything to me because my grandmother was a survivor… Combining where I came from and combining what saved my life… It’s huge for me,” said Teri Lynne.

“It’s a six-month program, but I stayed in the program for eight months… I’m just grateful they saw more in me than I saw in myself at the time, and they didn’t give up on me.”

Metis Elder Angie Crear spoke at the event on her residential school experience.

“It’s taken me over 50 years to work towards forgiving myself and also to forgive the people that made such a drastic change in my life… I don’t blame anybody, I forgive, but I can’t forget,” said Crerar.

“Like many, many survivors we carry the scars of everything we lost.”

Crerar says today’s apology meant the world to her, as it came from her own community.

“Today is a beginning, (it) opens doors for us because people came to us to help and to me, that meant the world… My first experience with the non-aboriginal people coming to help us reclaim our own.”

“I was deeply touched that people from non-aboriginal communities not only heard our voice but have stepped up to the plate. They have opened their hearts and soul to help us to belong… to take our rightful place in society and to open doors for the future,” she added.

Music from Pastor Brent and Priscilla Badger from Chief Cornerstone Ministries played a handful of songs throughout the event.

(Abby Zieverink/Everything GP)

(Abby Zieverink/Everything GP)

(Abby Zieverink/Everything GP)

(Abby Zieverink/Everything GP)

(Abby Zieverink/Everything GP)