Survivors and those affected by Indian Residential Schools find healing through virtual summit hosted by Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society is hosting their first event in two years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are excited to host the two day 'Healing the past' through ceremony virtual summit, with a 100 in-person limit for the event.

The first day was yesterday, Aug. 5 and continues on today, Aug. 6.

Elder Tom Snow is one of the Elders at the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. He is also one of the four speakers for the event and says this is the perfect time to have this event because of the recent location of unmarked graves at the sites of former Indian residential schools across the country.

"It is good timing at this time because of the graves that have been dug up, and all this, like with what's going on in the world. This is a good time to have this," said Snow.

Elder Tom Snow is from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation in Morley, Alta. He went to residential school for a year before his father pulled him out. In that year, Snow recalls the abuse he faced when he attended. He recounts his painful memories of his time at the residential school, to Windspeaker Radio.

After he dropped out of high school, Elder Snow began drinking heavily and became addicted. He lived with high anxiety for 20 years. He would have recurring nightmares of his time at the residential school.

He finally began his healing journey by going to treatment, attending AA meetings and taking part in ceremonies.

Elder Snow says that healing happens when you talk about it.

"It's always good to hear other people's stories. That's part of the healing. The more you speak about it, the more you talk about it, you heal more. I mean, you're on your way to more balance."

A 40x40 tent is set up at Parkdale School and all COVID-19 protocols are in place.

It will broadcast on their Facebook channel (facebook.com/BentArrowYEG).

Reading articles about residential schools may trigger strong emotions. If you are having difficulties in dealing with these thoughts and feelings and are in need of support, call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society emergency crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.

For the complete story, listen to the audio below: