Gristle in the Stew - a CBC documentary on the closing of Huronia Institution and the new Class Action Suit

[Jack Pearpoint]

This is a remarkable radio documentary - frightening, tragic, powerful - and a must listen.  One of many reasons to listen is to be reminded that our 'best intentions' often have devastating and even deadly consequences (2000 unmarked dead at Huronia alone) and at the systems level, we 'knew' and sanctioned this 'behaviour' for nearly 150 years!

Equally important, is the fact that a few brave souls have courageously decided to take a stand.  Jim and Marilyn Dolmage, Patricia, Marie and friends - now represent 12,000 survivors in a class action suit that is gradually pealing away both the truth and the pain of our institutional policies.  Healing is beginning.  So once again, a small group of committed citizens are changing the world.. as they always do!  And an interesting sidelight.  It was the remarkable example of Canadian Indigenous People - and their Truth and Reconciliation Commission - and before that the hearings in South Africa - that sparked this possibility for a new journey. 

This is not an easy listen - but it is important!

Jack

http://www.cbc.ca/globalperspectives/2012/06/29/the-gristle-in-the-...