Thank you Camilla Haines for sharing and allowing it to be recorded for the first time. A story worth sharing and remembering.
The story: THE MOTHERS CRY by Camilla Haines
(Not to be performed by anyone, without Cam's consent
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I did not attend an Indian residential school, however, I have been indirectly effected - I cannot speak or understand my language. I ask for your patience with me as I learn.
THE MOTHER’S CRY
This song is dedicated to the survivors, to their families and to their children. It is a song that was composed by our Elder Leader, Cam Haines, and a survivor of the Alberni Indian Residential School.
There are many sad stories that we hear from those who attended Indian residential school. Families of survivors also tell stories of having to live with a survivor.
Cam told us that she went to the residential school. She spoke of being ten-years-old and how she was gone for seven (7) years - gone from her family and her home community.
We have heard horror stories of the physical, the sexual, the psychological, the emotional, the spiritual and the cultural abuses.
We have heard how the parents and grandparents were threatened if they did not want their children and grandchildren to go.
How the children were taken ‘anyway’.
We hear of the extreme loneliness the children felt being away from home, especially when there was a death and they could not be there.
We have heard stories of how the children were expected to provide labour.
How the children actually received very little education.
How the children were not properly fed.
How the children were abused.
How these children continue to deal with these issues and the ‘bad dreams’ ---- and how they have learned to ‘survive’.
Cam also told us that her experience was not a unhappy one, as some were. However, after seven (7) years at the residential school, Cam, like many others, has not returned to her home community, to her traditional lands.
Most have lost their traditional culture and their language. Most have lost the ability to share and experience close ties with their families.
Hlimoomiy - Help me!
Hlaa doxt diit Hlgiy - They have taken my children
Aywaahl doodiy gwaa - Oh mercy me, Oh my poor heart
FINALLY! We are set free! FINALLY! We can go home!
Galsim sdili - Come with me!
Dim gam Niye’ey - We will see my grandfather
Dim gam Nitsiitsiy - We will see my grandmother
Hlaa luuaamhl goodiy - I am very happy
Dim wayim n idiit - We are going to find them
Amhl dim wilaa wilim gunn - We are going to be all right now
Hll luuyaltkws diit - They have returned
Hlaa xsdaa nuum guun - We are blessed again, We have won
Traditional Dance Groups, especially in the urban areas - as we are, are made up of dancers relearning our tradition and culture and are upholding all that is part of our heritage. We are very proud of Cam and feel very honoured to have her part of us.
Негізгі бет 2018 Salmon Festival - THE MOTHERS CRY (first time recording allowed)
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