Dr. Marie Wilson, one of three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, was a guest speaker at the Picton Public Library last week. The packed room heard Dr. Wilson talk about her six years participation, as a commissioner, crisscrossing Canada documenting and listening to almost seven thousand witnesses as they shared their stories and experiences of the forced residential schools system.
The discussion was moderated by Jessica Chase, Assistant Curator of Prince Edward County Museums.
Prior to the commission, she had worked as an award winning journalist, teacher, professor and executive so extensive notes were kept during her commissioner travels. Writing helped her cope with the stress of listening to the tragic stories and motivated her to write “North of Nowhere”, a way to share her first hand experiences and to help with her own reconciliation journey.
