6 Comments
User's avatar
Ian Dale's avatar

It is really sad that so much of the hateful mythology surrounding the residential schools has even contaminated the outlook of an organization which should be combatting misinformation and not promulgating it, the Canadian Constitution Foundation.

Expand full comment
John Brodie's avatar

I got the strap when I was in grade 6 and that was a public school c1956.

Expand full comment
Harry Frederick's avatar

Thank you Ms. Stirling for your continued courage in your efforts to expose the truth. There is no doubt that some extreme punishment may have been dispensed ( strap )at some IR Schools. I attended 4 years of Catholic schooling with Nuns at the helm. I shudder to recall the number of straps I received over the years - all very much deserved. That was their only tool to remain in control of rowdy individuals such as myself. Misinformation reigns supreme and in most cases unchecked. Not everything you read is true. Mr. Sinclair and his legal background had the capacity to do better. Knowings ???? accepted as fact. Kimberley Murray and Ms. VanGeyn - - Do your research before making statements.

Expand full comment
KEMOSABE's avatar

There are times I have to wonder whether or not these people are contestants in the biggest whopper competition. It's no mystery that many if not all of them compare our life style with theirs and show resentment at the difference. Instead of taking advantage of the opportunities available to them, they chose to direct their jealously and invective at the Canadian taxpayer with mendacious stories intended to portray victim hood and cash in on the proceeds of their lies.

Expand full comment
Ralph Huizinga's avatar

Excellent article. Please keep up the good work. I promise to contribute to your defence fund.

Expand full comment
Henry Clark's avatar

My grand father’s hired man, horse coping partner and friend was Big Gilbert Montagne for years. After WWIIs end his horse trading was fading with internal combustion engines replacing horses. Gilbert started labor contracting, using students from the Hobemma residential school to pick roots.

One day Gilbert said that he was educating his crews; the young men learned camp life and etiquette living out of wagons and camping by lakes or sloughs. After a couple of setups, Gil would split the camp and let the young men live really traditional…without thread or metal.

Gilbert used to take his paycheques made out to Sam Soda like most natives working for white farmers, as he said: the Indian Agent learns too much, he gets confused.

Expand full comment