Inuvik (July 14/06) - For many people in Inuvik, the path to spiritual healing began this week.

For the first time in the Beaufort Delta region, a reunion was held for people who attended residential schools.

The area's churches helped by hosting several elements of the gathering, including educating youth and providing temporary lodging.

Rosie Albert, left, and Shirley Kisoun are two of the people who attended the Beaufort Delta Residential School Society Reunion being held this week. They had the opportunity to share their stories and experiences with friends they haven't seen in 30 years. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

John Banksland is chairman of the host society for the reunion.

"The planning with the society started three years ago," he said.

"But I have been on about this with other friends for many years and we've been looking forward to getting us all together again."

A five-day event, the gathering was full of presentations by former students and professionals attending to help people share their feelings.

Banksland said he wants people traumatized by their schooling to share release their emotions.

"These people don't understand why they went through this system and don't understand why they are carrying this baggage for so many years," explained Banksland.

"A lot of my friends from those years have passed on, but we still talk about the good times."

Rosie Albert Stefansson is one Inuvik residents who was taken from her home to attend school.

But, for Stefansson, the experience was a good one, and helped her achieve her goals in life.

"I was the oldest one in my family, and I spoke English so it was good. I really wanted to learn as much as I could," she said.

When she was admitted into the Immaculate Conception school in Aklavik at age seven, Stefansson knew she had to stay true to the Inuvialuit language.

"My father wrote a letter to the missionary in charge and told him that me and my sister were to attend church in Inuvialuktun," she said.

Stefansson knew the prayers and kept her skills sharp with weekly practice.

Making friends was easy for Stefansson too, because she was able to speak both languages.

"I remember meeting so many people," she said.

"But after we left school seven years later, I lost contact with most of them, until this week."

Stefansson said she has spent lots of time at the reunion just catching up with her friends.

"Even though some people have been crying, you can see their strength afterward," she said.

Volunteers made the event a success, with people giving their time to help others in their journey of healing.

Shirley Kisoun was one of the people who was on hand to listen and help register new visitors.

Kisoun spent a few years at Stringer Hall, which was a residence for students in Inuvik.

"My parents would go hunting in the spring, and would have me in the care of the hostel," explained Kisoun.

She would be there for months at a time, and quickly made friends to stay busy.

"I have good memories of Stringer Hall."