https://www.macleans.ca/society/the-lonely-death-of-chanie-wenjack/
The story was first published in 1967 about Chanie Wenjack. His teachers had mislabeled him as Charlie. The story was by Ian Adams and published on February 1, 1967. Chanie was 12, and Indigenous. He died as the white world’s rules had forced him to live—cut off from his people.
By Ian Adams February 1, 1967
Chanie ran away with two other friends and sought refuge with the friends. Because their house was full and their means small, Chanie was subtly encouraged to leave. He died October 22, 1966. He likely died of hypothermia and was found October 23, 1966. At a hearing about the death, the jury at the time made the following recommendations.
After spending more than two hours deliberating, they produced a written verdict and recommendations that covered one, long, closely written page of the official form. The jury found that “the Indian education system causes tremendous emotional and adjustment problems.” They suggested that the school be staffed adequately so that the children could develop personal relationships with the staff, and that more effort be given to boarding children in private homes.
But the most poignant suggestion was the one that reflected their own bewilderment: “A study be made of the present Indian education and philosophy. Is it right?”
What makes me sad is that they knew in 1967 that this wasn’t ok. That residential schools did more harm than good. There were people speaking up like the part-time employee in the grocery store who said it was “us who did this to them.” So why on earth has it taken so long to tell the stories and to get people to listen? Why did the TRC take so long? Why wasn’t something “done about it” so long ago? And now, what can we do about it now that we know better?