I was forced to run 80 km in a blizzard by a residential school principal | Bimibatoo-Win

CBC Docs2 minutes read

Participants wear white to honor Residential School survivors, symbolizing humility and strength. Charlie's punishing 80-kilometer run in a snowstorm is commemorated in a walk, highlighting the impact of his experience and the importance of sharing survivor stories for healing and remembrance.

Insights

  • The walk honoring Charlie Bittern highlights the resilience and sacrifice of Residential School survivors, symbolizing humility and strength while commemorating those who never returned home.
  • Charlie's experience of endurance and protection during the punishing snowstorm showcases the deep bonds formed in adversity, emphasizing the significance of sharing personal narratives to heal and remember the painful history of Residential Schools.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of wearing white during the walk?

    To symbolize humility and strength, honoring Residential School children.

  • How did Charlie demonstrate resilience during the snowstorm?

    By running ahead to guide and protect his friend.

  • What is the significance of the tree in Charlie's reflection?

    Represents the strength and unity of First Nation People.

  • How did Charlie's sports background influence his resilience?

    Helped him endure challenges and hardships.

  • Why did Bernell thank Charlie for taking his punishment?

    Revealed the depth of their bond and gratitude.

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Summary

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Honoring Residential School Survivors: Charlie's Journey

  • Charlie Bittern, a Residential School survivor, is honored with a walk tracing his 80-kilometer run in a snowstorm as punishment from his principal.
  • Participants wear white to symbolize humility and strength, honoring all children who didn't make it home from Residential Schools.
  • Charlie recalls his sports background and raising a champion bull named Bobby, which won awards at fairs.
  • During a blizzard, Charlie was thrown out of a vehicle by his principal and ran ahead to guide them, protecting his friend Bernell.
  • Despite exhaustion and injury, Charlie continued running until the storm subsided and was eventually helped back into the vehicle by Bernell.
  • The walk continues on the second day, focusing on honoring Residential School survivors and unmarked graves across Canada.
  • Bernell later thanked Charlie for taking his punishment that night, revealing the depth of their bond and the impact of that experience.
  • Reflecting on a tree's symbolism, Charlie sees it as representing the strength and unity of First Nation People, with roots connecting past victims to present children.
  • Sharing his story is a healing journey for Charlie, shedding light on the painful experiences of Residential School survivors and the importance of remembering their stories.
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