Our team at Creative Fire is heading into National Indigenous History Month with heavy hearts following the tragic news from Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation.
We are all holding our families and our own children a little closer, while sending our love and our strength to our brothers and sisters in the West as they go about the unimaginable task of finding the parents and families of the 215 children.
Among our own staff and families are the descendants of survivors from the Joussard (St. Bruno’s) and Beauval Indian Residential Schools in Treaty 8 and 10 respectively, to the Yale School in Labrador.
Together, we also head into June with a strengthened sense of purpose, because we at Creative Fire know that knowledge is the cornerstone of reconciliation and, in turn, justice. We know that sharing the stories of a sometimes dark history and an increasingly bright future for Indigenous Peoples is the best way to heal and to thrive.
Throughout the month, we encourage our communities and partners to learn about the legacy of the residential school system. Maybe you can consider starting with one of the approximately 140 residential schools located nearest to your home, office, or own child’s school. Many Indigenous communities have their own efforts underway to locate their own lost children, so please consider supporting those as well.
Here are a few resources to help with that journey:
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Residential Schools in Canada Interactive Map
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress, and can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.