While new discoveries are shaking the whole world, old wounds are opening up among Canada’s indigenous people.
Ruth Roulette and her brother Ernie Daniels were back at one of the boarding schools this summer where indigenous children had to go. Photo: Shannon VanRaes, Reuters/NTB
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She remembers she thought it was exciting, the day 63 years ago when they came to pick her up. Ruth Roulette was six years old and had never been in a car before. Now she thought she was going on a journey.
Roulette, the sister and the two older brothers were all driven away. The parents stayed behind.
The tension quickly disappeared and was replaced by fear. Upon arrival, the siblings were separated: the girls were sent one way, the boys another.
At first they were dressed naked. The traditional clothes were replaced with European dresses. Then the hair was cut off. The hair symbolizes spirituality and strength for the Canadian indigenous people.
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