14 Wing Greenwood’s September 30 walk to mark the steps needed for truth and reconciliation could be likened to the journey Captain Melanie “Rusty” Rustenburg described in her comments.
Rustenburg, who shared her family’s experience with the impact her mother’s time in a residential school left through a very personal poem at last year’s event, asked 14 Wing Defence Indigenous Advisory Group civilian co-chair and Annapolis Valley First Nation member Marla Ward to share written remarks this year.
“Over time, I’ve come to realize that none of this was my fault. I did not choose the experiences that took my mother from her home and community and exposed her to trauma, and I did not choose the intergenerational effects that shaped parts of my own life,” Rustenburg wrote. “What I can say is that it was, and continues to be, my responsibility to heal from the experiences. That journey has not always been easy, but it has been an important one.
“Being surrounded by a community that accepts me for who I am has reminded me that I do not have to walk it alone.”
Several hundred military members, civilian base personnel, their families and community friends gathered on National Truth and Reconciliation Day for a flag-raising of the Grand Council flag, remarks, a smudge and a reflective, group walk. Dogs, strollers, wagons and the Annapolis Café’s loved, annual orange T-shirt decorated cookies added to the atmosphere of togetherness and community. As events got underway, Lieutenant-Colonel Shawn Dyer, the DIAG’s military champion, welcomed everyone, and encouraged them to join in Canada’s journey “toward truth, healing and reconciliation.
“Take a moment to reflect. Reflect on the children who never returned home; on the survivors who continue to share their truths with courage, and on the families and communities who continue to carry the impacts of residential schools,” he said.
“Reconciliation is not a destination we reach in a single day.”
14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Angie Thomas described some of the broader Canadian Armed Forces steps toward reconciliation, including the CAF Indigenous Entry Program, summer training opportunities and the Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year.
“But reconciliation goes beyond programs,” she said. “It means building relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples based on recognition of rights, respect and partnership. It means strengthening cultural awareness, listening to Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, and ensuring our activities respect Indigenous rights and legal obligations.
“Here at 14 Wing, we have a responsibility to build respectful relationships, engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities and continue learning from Indigenous perspectives.
“Thank you for being here today, and for your shared commitment to this important work.”
