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| Tony Stevenson |
Our goal is to educate everyone who is a non-First Nation person in the country because it is only through education that we are going to bridge that huge divide between non-First Nation and First Nation people. Our method of teaching is done with empathy and respect, which results in meaningful dialogue in every session. Our past participants have been 99 per cent non-First First Nation and their response has been nothing but positive.
I created the not-for-profit MJ’s Ole Skool Crew Inc. seven years ago with the intent to access the federal government and church-funding programs that were made available to the former residential school students. Unfortunately, our organization does not fit the criteria of either funding program and that is why we have to seek donations from the general public. It is easy to ask for a handout, but I believe it is a worthy cause so much so that I could not see myself doing anything else. I believe education can make a difference in all our lives.
My wife, Marcie, and I have invested the time and personal expenses in this educational journey because we believe in the potential it has to create the changes the country can certainly learn from. The past participants have given their unbridled references to the lessons they take away from the presentation. The content is not meant to be “taken note of” but leaves you with a heart-touching feeling to learn and do more. The idea is to understand and have more empathy for racialized people in this country. If you have time, just Google “Tony Stevenson residential school” and read about the work we have carried out in several provinces and feel free to contact the past participants listed in the stories. I promise you that they will feel the same way.
The difference between the band-funded government programs and ours is that we share unique, very personal details of the history.
We draw from the lived experiences of this history instead of the recorded notes a history teacher may use in their classes. I do not follow a written script or guide because it takes away from the lessons’ authenticity. Those words and feelings come from the souls/spirits of my residential school family who are no longer here. We do our best to respectfully and humbly share the message they wanted the world to hear. That ability allows us to capture and hold the attention of the participant for more than what is expected, i.e., principals and teachers have told us that they were amazed that their students, Grades 5 through 8, remained quite focused on the presentation we gave to them.
Since we started our educational journey seven years ago, our goal has been to create meaningful and respectful dialogue so that all the negative misconceptions can be unlearned by all Canadians. Bridging that division is paramount to the safety of all our communities. The times are changing, and our thoughts have to grow with the change.
We also assisted several of our own First Nation communities in empowering individuals to carry on with finding a path to their own healing journey. The cycle of abuse, suicide and addictions continue to plague the people, but there are ways to educate them as well. The youth need the necessary educational “tools” to keep them safe in these environments as well as empowering them. We know that can be attained through social media, peer groups, interactive books and, of course, shared stories through prevention guides. To also have more trust in building relationships with the proper authorities. That relationship needs to be mended as well.
I close off with a success story we have recently had with the Hudson Bay Community School in Hudson Bay, Sask. The community and the school’s principal, Louise Gel, are great models of what truth and reconciliation should look like!
They personify what our country needs. I am not going to spoil it for you, so please make the time to peruse the change that is happening right now. I am proud to state that Mj’s Ole Skool Crew had a “li’l hand” in awakening that community. That is what we do. I am humbly asking you to help keep us going. Thank you.
Tony Stevenson is a member of the Anishnabec First Nation in the Treaty 4 Area in Saskatchewan who attended the Qu’Appelle Indian Residential School in Lebret, Sask. He worked extensively with the independent assessment process, preparing and representing peers and elders for compensation hearings. He was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and recognized by both the Saskatchewan and Regina chambers of commerce for creating a cross-culture work project at the Conexus Credit Union. He travels to schools, universities, businesses and labour organizations to give presentations on truth and reconciliation. Learn more at MJ’s Ole Skool Crew.
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