A small group of supporters, mostly women, gathered on Parliament Hill this morning to welcome Martha Joseph. Martha, a member of the Gitxsan Nation, began her long walk from Kelowna, B.C. to Ottawa on May 26, 2005 to demand justice for the survivors of the Residential Schools which were funded by the Federal government and operated by the Catholic and Anglican Churches. An estimated 50,000 Native children died while wards of the churches. Martha made a brief speech on the Parliament grounds and then the group proceeded onward to the Human Rights Memorial in front of the Ottawa Heritage building . Martha, and representatives of the Inuit and Metis people, often became tearful as they described the living conditions and treatment that they received while in the custody of the churches. Although they were invited, no representatives of the Government appeared to accept tokens of peace which Martha had brought with her. Also, not one Chief, including Grand Chief Fontaine, appeared to offer their support. Only the President of the B.C. Metis Association was on hand for the ceremony. Martha expressed her deep disappointment that no elected officials considered her struggle worthwhile. Afterward, a reception and luncheon was held at the Odawa Friendship Centre to honour Martha's heroic journey. When I asked Martha what she planned to do next, she replied with a smile, "I'm going to rest". Martha has a book available about her experiences which is entitled 'Beyond Pain' and is priced at about $10.00 to help cover the cost of her expenses. Contact Odawa Friendship Centre to see where you can obtain a copy.

Source: Carleton University Aboriginal Student Council Message Board CarletonAboriginalStudentCouncil@groups.msn.com