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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - Three hundred people gathered in Fort Providence between Sept. 8 and 11 for the Journey to Healing and Reconciliation Conference.

The Dene Nation decided to organize the conference as a way to meet the need for people to come together and speak about residential schools, said Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus.

"People need to have a better idea of what happened to them," Erasmus said.

Previously the Dene Nation has held such meetings with leaders but this conference was designed for community members, especially elders.

"This really gives them an opportunity to share with each other and move on," he said.

Two people from each community in the NWT were brought to the conference. Other people made the journey on their own. About 15 counsellors and facilitators were on hand.

Conference topics included policy behind the schools, how to move forward with healing and the Independent Assessment Process for survivors.

"Dealing with the issue we have before us doesn't happen overnight," said Erasmus.

Because people will need to continue healing after the conference, the agenda also identified resources people can draw on in their communities.

The Deh Gah Got'ie Koe First Nation was pleased to host the conference in Fort Providence, said Chief Berna Landry.

"I thought it would be a perfect time for our elders to start opening up," she said.

Elders who were reluctant to speak in the past are now ready to talk about the residential schools, said Landry.

She said one of the more disturbing aspects was hearing about children who died at the schools. The students weren't given any explanations so it was like that person disappeared, she said.

Although the conference brought back a lot of difficult memories it was a positive experience, she said.

"There's a lot of crying but it's a step towards healing."