‘Emotional time for everybody’: Price says it’s time to recognize Canada’s history on residential schools

“My grandmother went to a residential school,” says Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price. The Habs star speaking with Geoff Rohoman from 680 News about his families experience in Canada’s residential school system and what needs to change.

There are a number of resources available for survivors and those seeking emotional support in the wake of recent events. The 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line is 1-866-925-4419.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is once again lending his voice to speak about the history of residential schools in Canada.

In an interview with 680 NEWS, Price, who is in Kelowna for the off-season, told Geoff Rohoman that more work is needed on reconciliation in Canada.

“My grandmother went to a residential school and my mom is still very [emotional (in audible)] about the stories she’s told us about their experiences and it’s challenging for a lot of people. It had a snowball effect on the generations following those students,” Price said.


READ MORE: Residential school survivor says meeting Habs goalie Carey Price ‘really meant a lot’


Lynda Price, Carey’s mother, is chief of the First Nation in Anahim Lake, B.C. And while the Vancouver Canucks are the closest NHL team at some 12 hours drive away, it’s the Canadiens and its star goaltender that are celebrated in the community of about 1,500 people.

But with hundreds of unmarked graves being discovered at former residential school sites in Canada, Price said people should understand the history.

“I don’t think a lot of people were aware of what a residential school even was,” he explained.

“That part of our history in Canada is not covered very well. I just think recognition of that. Obviously, reconciliation is a big part of it.”


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In a social media post last year, Price described his maternal grandmother as a residential school survivor who faced “social injustices” at school.

“The mistreatment and misplacement of First Nations peoples in America and Canada has echoed generations of poverty and substance abuse. These facts must also be brought to light,” the post read.

“I am a firm believer in the victory of good over evil and change will come. In our house, we will not see the colour of your skin but the character of your heart.”

Speaking to Rohoman, Price said that collectively, Canadians could do more.

“I just think we need to do a better job in the future of recognizing that this is part of our history in Canada and just understanding that it’s just not right.”

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