Our hearts and minds have been with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation after the horrific discovery this past weekend. The violent legacy of residential schools is still present in many Indigenous communities, in the absence of elders taken from their communities as children, and in the deep wells of intergeneration trauma caused by Canada’s genocidal system.
We have been fortunate to work with some thought-provoking Indigenous creators who have shared their stories with us. Several of these have also been published in dual-language editions, which we hope contribute towards preserving the Indigenous languages which the residential school system tried to erase. Our aim is for these books to be a jumping off point to teach children about Canada’s true history, which is often hidden or misrepresented. As National Indigenous History Month begins tomorrow, we will continue to learn about and honour Indigenous history and culture.
The IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) Emergency Crisis Line is available 24/7 to those who need support during this time. Call 1-866-925-4419 at any time if you or a loved one is experiencing pain or distress related to a residential school experience.