We Are Children of Indian Residential School Survivors: Awakening Our Spirits, Our Purpose & Our Confidence

This event brings together a panel of Indigenous people who are children of Indian residential school survivors to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and to think about ways to heal, to figure it out, to come to terms with each other, and to give permission to indigenous children and grandchildren to also grow, learn and prosper.

This virtual event is presented by the Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series.

Speakers

  • Darren Thompson
  • Jake Hamilton
  • Charles Nelson
  • Nicki McCarthy
  • Omeasoo Wāhpāsiw
  • Dorothy Burn
  • April White
  • Jenny Gardipy

Moderators

  • Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Indigenous Advisor
  • Namaste Marsden – Masemtxoxw, Director, Indigenous Engagement

Description

From one generation to the next we inexplicably inherit all that is both good and bad from those that came before us. Many survivors of the Indian residential school experience in Canada passed on the torch of hope and determination but they also passed on an inferno of unresolved trauma and grief. Many survivors were robbed of their formative childhood and consequently of the necessary skill sets to raise children. The children and grandchildren of survivors were robbed of all of the dignity and grace of our Ancestors, and all that they bring into the world that make us unique, bright and confident. As one generation comes to terms with the past, how then do current descendants come to terms with the present? And how do our families and communities come together to create a future built on truth, forgiveness and acceptance?

This timely and relevant session will consider these and other important questions within the context of telling the truth and reconciling for the future. We are bringing together a panel of Indigenous people who are children of Indian residential school survivors to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and to think about ways to heal, to figure it out, to come to terms with each other, and to give permission to our children and grandchildren to also grow, learn and prosper.

2022 will mark the 2nd annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day is an opportunity for all Canadians and British Columbians to think about the continuing legacy of the Indian residential school experience in Canada as well as the broader impact of colonialism, oppression, assimilation, and racism against Indigenous – First Nations, Inuit and Métis – peoples. It’s a chance to enrich our individual and collective understanding of the past and to create a new chapter in our shared history that is founded on the principles of respect, truth, reconciliation, and redress.

Learn more and register.