A residential school survivor’s son says he’s honoured to carry his late father’s name at this weekend’s Survivors Walk in Winnipeg in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Dr. Raymond Mason, who passed away earlier this year, was a vital voice for his fellow survivors and was instrumental in shaping the Truth and Reconciliation Commission behind the scenes.
His son Kyle Mason works as a speaker and reconciliation facilitator, assisting businesses in forging solid relationships with the Indigenous population. He explained to The Start on 680 CJOB that this year’s walk has a special meaning for him.
It entails not just honouring and remembering my father but also my mother, my forefathers, and numerous other members of my family. It also signifies that there is work to be done and that there are many people who can assist in this process of reconciliation, he added.
“It’s going to mean a lot to me personally. I’m sure it’s going to be challenging. I assisted my father in a wheelchair for the first annual walk and powwow last year. It meant a lot to him to be a part of the grand entry, so he felt honoured. He was acknowledged by the speakers, which he truly liked. and since I am going in his place along with other family members to honour my father, I know he would love and appreciate all that is being done for him today.
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Even though his father was eventually able to turn things around and become a positive role model and significant voice for others, Mason said his dad’s time in residential facilities had long-lasting, generational effects.
He claimed that the time he spent in these facilities “seriously impacted him, deeply harmed him in many ways for a long, long period.”
“Thankfully, he did a lot of self-healing and work, which enabled him to develop into a very powerful advocate for other survivors… and up until the day of his death, he fought for survivors.
The Orange Shirt Day Pow-Wow will be held at the RBC Convention Centre, where the walk will end at 1 p.m. The second annual walk starts at the Oodena Circle in The Forks.
The day’s events are open to Winnipeggers from all areas of life, according to Mason.
Everyone is welcome to attend both events, which are both free. Come check out our dances and regalia, and let’s move toward reconciliation together in the next phase.
At Winnipeg’s Survivors Walk, the advocacy son of a late residential school survivor pays tribute to his family.
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