Residential schools left painful memories, hearing told

Former students of residential schools in Alberta are speaking today to the federalTruth and Reconciliation Commissionabout the humiliation and terrorthey experienced decades ago, butcontinue to feel to this day.

• Learn more on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• Residential school survivors gather in Red Deer

Many of the speakers at the hearingon the Ermineskin Cree Nation at Hobbema in central Albertaactually attended the residentialschool on the reserve.

All of the survivors recalledthe terror of being taken from their parents, while somespoke of terrible abuse.

Flora Northwest wiped away tears as she told her storyof isolation how she was ridiculed by her teachers because she couldn't speak English well but wasn't allowed to speak Cree.

Northwest later became an alcoholicand went through a painful journey of recovery. She told the inquiryshe doesn't cry as much as she did, but said it will take longer for her to forgive what happened to her in residential schools.

Chris Frenchman spoke of the meagre portions of food and how he often went to bed hungry.

"Why did they try to take our culture away?" he asked.

The hearings continue today and tomorrow.

All the presentations are being recorded to be saved in a national research centre so this part of Canada's history will never be forgotten.