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Opinion: It’s time for forgiveness and reconciliation

"I am often asked how, as a residential school survivor, I can forgive those who oppressed me. But that is how strong my people’s traditional teachings are."

I’ve had many names in my life. My mother named me Bobby Mountain and taught me the traditional ways of our people, the Cree of Treaty 8 Territory. I was a boy when my grandfather called me Napikan, “Great Man,” for my spiritual curiosity.

Residential school imprisoned me as Number 53. My First Nation elected me Chief Cree to fight for our rights as the multinational oil industry arrived on our land. As Robert Cree, I overcame the trauma and addiction that afflicts so many residential school survivors. Now I am Elder Robert Cree, recognized by my people as a Knowledge Keeper.

Opinion: It’s time for forgiveness and reconciliation Back to video

For 70 years, I was an eyewitness to Indigenous history. A lot of it was hard to see. But the wisdom of the ancestors warmed me as I travelled a cold, hard road. It guides me today on a road of forgiveness and reconciliation. Today, as we mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, I want to share that wisdom with you.

I am........

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