Commemoration 2011-2012 - Project Descriptions

National

“Piqqusivut”

Project Lead: Pauktuutit Inuit Women’s Association of Canada
Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Pauktuutit is the national representative organization of Inuit women in Canada. Pauktuutit will create a national Inuit Residential School Legacy Quilt and accompanying book to serve as a lasting memorial to the Inuit Residential School experience.

“The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival 10^th Anniversary Understanding Residential School Initiative: Building Bridges”

Project Lead: Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

In its tenth year, the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival took place over a ten day period in November 2011, with the last two days dedicated to the 10^th Anniversary Understanding Residential School Initiative: Building Bridges. This initiative brought together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences to create a better understanding of the effect of Residential Schools through film screenings, key note speakers, workshops and panel discussions, sharing circles and a closing night reception.

“Unity Garden”

Project Lead: Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health/ Legacy of Hope Foundation
Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning charity and a leader in community-based holistic health care, bridging Aboriginal cultural practices with Western medicine to combat poverty and illness in Ottawa’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. The Legacy of Hope is a national Aboriginal charitable organization whose purpose is to create awareness and understanding about the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, including the intergenerational effects on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and to continue to support the ongoing healing process of former Residential School students. Together they will create a permanent National Unity Garden in the new National Centre of Excellence, in the heart of the Nation’s Capital. This commemorative garden will be an expression of the living, breathing process of growth and renewal reflective of “commemoration”, and will create conditions where reconciliation is possible for all Canadians.

“Sparrow Song” - Volume 1

Project Lead: Nadia McLaren, Artist/Writer
Location: Toronto, Ontario

Nadia McLaren, writer/producer and director of the highly-acclaimed documentary Muffins for Granny, will complete and publish a graphic novel memoire entitled Sparrow Song – Volume 1. This memoire is inspired by time Nadia spent with her grandmother, and former Residential School student, Theresa McCraw, and is written with the spirits of Aboriginal youth in mind and heart.

“The Métis Experience: Commemorative Project”

Project Lead: Métis National Council
Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Since 1983, the Métis National Council has represented the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. As part of its continued work to promote Métis culture and heritage, healing and reconciliation, and to ensure the Métis-specific experience is commemorated, it will use multi-media tools to compile archival photographs, conduct interviews and design educational tools that provide a vehicle of expression to the Métis community.

British Columbia

“The CheslattaT’en Community and Gathering Place Building Initiative”

Project Lead: Cheslatta Carrier Nation
Location: Burns Lake, British Columbia

The Cheslatta Carrier Nation, located in British Columbia, will hold a commemorative event on the traditional territory of the CheslettaT’en people, Indian Reserve #7 on Chesletta Lake. It includes a week long campout for the community along with the erection of a permanent structure, a ‘Gathering Place’ for future events, built with sustainable design principles. This project event will bring former Residential School students, their families and community members (Aboriginal & non-Aboriginal) together to acknowledge their experiences and effects of the Indian Residential School era in their community.

“Back to Basics”

Project Lead: Ehattesht First Nation
Location: Zeballos, British Columbia

The Ehattesht First Nation is one of 14 tribes of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, and is situated directly west of the Campbell River on the outside of Vancouver Island. The project will revitalize the Nuu-Chah-Nulth cultural practices and ceremonies by immersing participants in tradition and culture. The foundation of this “Back to Basics” event will be a Canoe Project and a Community Fence Project, both of which will provide the opportunity for all community members to learn the history of their families, their connection to the land and language, and ultimately assist individuals to live healthier spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally.

“Through the Eyes of a Child – A Lasting Legacy”

Project Lead: Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government
Location: New Aiyansh, British Columbia

The Nisga’a village of Gitlaxt’aamiks (formerly known as Aiyansh) is located 120 kilometers north of Terrace, British Columbia and is the largest of four Nisga’a villages. The Gitlazt’aamiks Village Government Commemoration initiative includes holding monthly meetings for former students and monthly language and culture workshops. As well, a feast will be held to unveil commemorative plaques designed by a local artist and presented to former students and their families. Stories and photographs will be collected for the book entitled “Through the Eyes of a Child”, with a final feast to launch the book.

“Nuu-chah-nulth Language, Carving, Paddling”

Project Lead: Hesquiaht Language Program
Location: Tofino, British Columbia

The Hesquiaht Language Program’s aim is to reconnect to the language and culture of their ancestors and to revitalize their linguistic, cultural and spiritual legacy in a respectful way. In this project, six participants will be chosen to participate in a month long canoe-carving and language immersion program guided by Hesquiaht language facilitators, elders and master carvers. They will then take part in a canoe journey down the coast of Vancouver Island to Washington State in an effort to revitalize the language and culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth people that was almost lost due to the Indian Residential School experience.

“Hupacasath Community Potlatch/Commemorative Walking Trail”

Project Lead: Hupacasath First Nation
Location: Port Alberni, British Columbia

The Hupacasath First Nation is located near Port Alberni, British Columbia and is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. The Hupacasath First Nation will host a community potlatch to revive the cultural vibrancy through traditional ceremonies, such as song and dance, hunting and gathering, and the preparation of traditional meals. They will also create a community trail system to commemorate former Residential School students. Interpretive signs and memorial plaques with inspirational words will be placed along the trail and on places of rest.

“Truth Sharing and Learning”

Project Lead: Indian Residential School Survivors Society/ BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
Location: West Vancouver, British Columbia

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is an Aboriginal, non-profit, charitable organization whose mandate is to empower former students of Indian Residential Schools to heal and move forward. They will partner with the BC Association of Friendship Centres to create graphics and hand out literature for twenty-five Residential School mobile education exhibits, to be delivered to Friendship Centres and used in training staff, and continue with the ongoing development of resource materials. Other initiatives include: the establishment of an Indian Residential School Research Centre with contributions from the University of British Columbia; the development of an Aboriginal Studies course and updates to Social Studies resource kits for British Columbia schools; and holding Youth and Reconciliation gatherings in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Prince George and Kamloops.

Indian Residential School Commemorative Memorial

Project Lead: Kispiox Band
Location: Hazelton, British Columbia

Kispiox is situated within the Gitksan Territory, at the junction of the Kispiox and Skeena Rivers. The Kispiox Band will build a playground for little children, attached to which will be a “Reflective Circle” for caregivers and visitors to rest and reflect. Signage and plaques will indicate that this project is a memorial to former Residential School students. It will be built in a grassy, spacious area beside the Band’s Cultural/Tourist Centre.

“Cleansing Our Past for Future Generation”

Project Lead: Kwantlen First Nation
Location: Fort Langley, British Columbia

The Kwantlen First Nation is located in Fort Langley, British Columbia. To commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, the Kwantlen First Nation will carve traditional commemorative posts. The posts will be placed at the community’s two cemeteries and at the community church. Also, wooden plaques will be made to honour former students, and fruit trees will be planted in honour of each former student. The unveiling ceremony will be held in March 2013.

“Healing and Reconciliation Event”

Project Lead: Lower Post Residential School Survivors
Location: Lower Post, British Columbia

The Kaska Dena community of Lower Post is located on the Alaska Highway in Northern British Columbia, and will host a four-day cultural gathering at the site of the Lower Post Residential School to commemorate the experiences of former students of Residential School from the sixteen affected communities in Northern British Columbia and Yukon. This event will be an opportunity for former students and their families to jointly honour their experiences through traditional ceremonies and healing workshops. The event will be filmed and made available on DVD and distributed to schools and libraries, and made available for purchase. Commemorative carvings will also be created by an artist from each of the First Nations (Kaska Dena, Taku River Tlingit and Tahltan First Nation) as a permanent legacy to the courage and strength of former Residential School students.

“Intergenerational Healing”

Project Lead: Musqueam Indian Band
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

The Musqueam Indian Band, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, will collaborate with the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University in this Commemoration project. Graduate students from both universities will gather four series of life story narratives, using an adaption of Robert Atkinson’s The Life Story interview process. Each series will feature three generations of narratives from a Musqueam family affected by the Indian Residential School system. Additionally, the Musqueam Indian Band will create a garden of native plants to be used as a reflective space and commission a monument to be placed in the garden.

“Syilx Commemoration Initiative”

Project Lead: Okanagan Nation Alliance
Location: Westbank, British Columbia

The Okanagan Nation Alliance is the Tribal Council representing seven member bands of the Syilx people. A sculpture commemorating all Syilx former students will be unveiled in a high visible central location to commemorate the experiences of former Residential School students. Each of the seven bands will build traditional Syilx structures for gathering together and a series of ten workshops and a film about the Residential School experience will also be developed. The workshops will be anchored by a screening of the film and delivered in each of the seven communities in conjunction with the three urban Friendship Centres in the territory.

Old Massett Memorial Totem

Project Lead: Old Massett Village Council
Location: Massett, British Columbia

On behalf of the Old Massett Residential School Survivors’ group, and in keeping with centuries-old Haida tradition, the Old Massett Village Council will commission and erect a 30 foot Memorial Totem Pole as a commemoration project to tell the Indian Residential School story and will raise the pole to be permanently displayed in the community.

“Healing 4 Nations”

Project Lead: Quesnel Tillicum Society
Location: Quesnel, British Columbia

The Quesnel Tillicum Society, a member of the Association of BC Friendship Centres, is a local organization devoted to meeting the needs of persons of First Nations ancestry in adjusting to the social, economic and cultural lifestyle of the community. The four Nations of Alexandria, Red Bluff, Nasko and Kluskus First Nations will come together in a weekend-long event to raise awareness about the Indian Residential School experience. The Society will create a video of the event for local distribution and will display a permanent carving and a plaque in local parks.

The Path to Healing & Empowerment of the Saik’uz Whut’en

Project Lead: Saik’uz First Nation
Location: Vanderhoof, British Columbia

The Saik’uz Whut’en First Nation is located on-reserve, nine kilometers south of Vanderhoof, British Columbia. It will hold a Commemorative Healing Potlatch, incorporating the concepts of acknowledgement, reconciliation, forgiveness and healing. As well, in collaboration with the Nadleh Whut’en Indian band, the Saik’uz Whut’en will design a permanent granite wall monument to be erected at the site of the former Lejac Residential School.

“Commemorating the Past, Building the Future through Culture and Language”

Project Lead: Seabird Island Education Society
Location: Agassiz, British Columbia

In collaboration with the Seabird Island Community School, they will create a carving to memorialize former Residential School students. A course will be offered about the culture and language of the Sto:lo people and the Indian Residential School experience, and stories will be collected and organized to share with the community and their neighbors. The Seabird Island Education Society will also be partnering with local public schools to increase their level of understanding of the history of the Sto:lo people.

“Honouring Our Children & Families”

Project Lead: Seabird Island Indian Band
Location: Agassiz, British Columbia

Seabird Island Band is a First Nations band located in a rural area approximately four miles east of Agassiz, British Columbia. It will hold a series of cultural activities to assist in healing and reconciliation, to build and honour families, and provide the opportunity to learn traditional teachings.

“Sts’ailes Heritage Trail and Legacy Vision”

Project Lead: Sts’ailes (Chehalis Indian Band)
Location: Agassiz, British Columbia

Sts’ailes (formerly known as the Chehalis Indian Band), is a semi-isolated Coast Salish community located approximately 100 kilometers east of Vancouver on the banks of the Harrison River. It will construct a heritage trail and reconstruct a traditional longhouse. The trail will be the revitalization of a formerly extensive trail network, rich with archaeological sites that were used by Sts’ailes people up until the 1940s.The Band will hold a traditional groundbreaking ceremony to coincide with the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation.

“St. Mary’s Legacy House Posts”

Project Lead: Sumas First Nation
Location: Abbottsford, British Columbia

The Sumas First Nation, in the community of Mission, British Columbia, and the surrounding First Nation communities, as well as the District of Mission, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the North Fraser Community Church have come together to commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools in their communities. Together, they will build a commemorative monument on the original site of the St. Mary’s Residential School and will be followed by a pole-raising ceremony to take place on May 26, 2012, marking the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation.

“The Story of Dancing Bear”

Project Lead: The Ernie Philip Residential School Healing & Reconciliation Society
Location: Tappen, British Columbia

Ernie Philip (Dancing Bear) is an 81 year old Shuswap elder, a fancy dancer and an internationally-acclaimed speaker. For over 50 years, Dancing Bear has been sharing the wisdom of his culture to thousands, nationally and internationally. This project will create a documentary entitled “The Story of Dancing Bear”, the life journey of Ernie Philips, from his days as a young boy at Residential School to his life as a world-class artist named Dancing Bear. His story will be shared using social media tools to raise awareness and to promote reconciliation.

“Nootka Spirit Camp and Community Barbecue”

Project Lead: The Land of Maquinna Cultural Society
Location: Gold River, British Columbia

The Land of Maquinna Cultural Society, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, was created to preserve, protect and interpret the history of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN) will host a ten-day Nootka Spirit Camp and Community Barbecue at Yuquot. MMFN will carve a traditional five-foot totem pole to commemorate the event.

T’it’q’et Residential School Survivors’ Chronicles: Our History through records, stories and photographs

Project Lead: Ucwalmicw Centre Society
Location: Lillooet, British Columbia

The Ucwalmicz Centre Society, located in Lillooet, British Columbia will collect, record and document their history. A memorial quilt will also be created and a traditional event will be held to mark the conclusion of the project.

“Toward Reversing Language Loss Due To Residential School through St’at’imc Language Documentation, Curriculum Development and Language/Culture Education”

Project Lead: Upper St’at’imc Language, Culture and Education Society
Location: Lillooet, British Columbia

The Upper St’at’imc Language, Culture and Education Society is a leading force in developing and administering language and cultural programs in the Lillooet area, and is comprised of people of the six bands/communities that speak the northern dialect of the St’at’imc language. They will contribute to documenting and reviving this nearly extinct language by developing educational and audio/visual tools, to be used to teach language and revitalize the language and culture.

Alberta

“Blood Tribe Commemorative Initiative”

Project Lead: Blood Tribe Department of Health
Location: Standoff, Alberta

The Blood Tribe/Kainai Indian Reserve, located in Southern Alberta, is the largest reserve in Canada, and is the site of two former Indian Residential Schools. On behalf of the seven Kainai communities, the Blood Tribe Department of Health will commemorate the history of Indian Residential Schools with lasting legacies, designed and developed by each of the communities. The objective of each community project will be to educate the public about the effect of Indian Residential Schools and to move toward reconciliation.

“Reconciling Self and Community through Healing Gardens”

Project Lead: Blue Quills First Nation College
Location: St. Paul, Alberta

Blue Quills First Nation College is a leading educational institution for all students in various post-secondary fields of study. It will create a Healing Garden on the College campus to create a lasting and living legacy as an expression of strength and resiliency of former students of Residential Schools and Aboriginal communities.

“Displaying the Truth and Healing through Traditional Cree Ceremonies”

Project Lead: Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises/Ermineskin Cree Nation
Location: Hobbema, Alberta

The Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises is located on the Ermineskin Indian Reserve in Hobbema, Alberta. Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises will render a monument to commemorate the experiences of Ermineskin Residential School’s former students and their families, and will promote Aboriginal languages, cultures, and traditional and spiritual values through traditional pipe and feast ceremonies in August 2012.

“To All My Grandchildren: Saddle Lake Cree Nation Residential School Legacy Book”

Project Lead: Saddle Lake Cree Nation
Location: Saddle Lake, Alberta

Saddle Lake Cree Nation is located in northeastern Alberta, close to the town of St. Paul. It will develop a history book using Elders’ stories, photographs and memorabilia gathered through interviews with former Residential School students. This book entitled To All My Grandchildren: Saddle Lake Cree Nation Residential School Legacy Book will be used to provide a platform for advocacy, education, healing and reconciliation.

“Remembering our Ancestors”

Project Lead: Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth
Location: Calgary, Alberta

For over a decade, Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth has developed culturally based programs and strategies that empower and enrich the lives of urban Aboriginal youth residing in Calgary. In collaboration with partners such as the Canadian Red Cross Society, the City of Calgary’s Aboriginal Services Department, the Royal Bank of Canada, and others, they will host the annual Calgary Initiation Pow Wow for children and youth in the Calgary area. The theme will be “Remembering our Ancestors” and will provide the opportunity to bring together youth and Elders to honour the former students of Indian Residential Schools through cultural traditions.

Saskatchewan

“First Annual Ahtahakoop First Nation Indian Residential School Survivor’s Commemorative Walk and Memorial Monument Dedications Ceremony”

Project Lead: Ahtahakoop First Nation/Health Centre
Location: Shell Lake, Saskatchewan

In 2000, Ahtahakoop built a cross on Lonesome Pine Hill and a small chapel. However, due to a lack of funding, a monument could not be added. Ahtahakoop has recognized the need for a structure to honour and commemorate the history of all those who attended Indian Residential Schools, those who survived, and those who did not return home. This project is the first annual Ahtahakoop First Nation Indian Residential School Survivor’s Commemorative Walk and Memorial Monument Dedications Ceremony.

“Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Commemorative Initiative”

Project Lead: Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc.
Location: North Battlefords, Saskatchewan

Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. is comprised of six First Nations and has a population of over 9000 members. They will provide support to former students and their families with their healing journeys through a series of workshops, informational sessions and healing circles.

“For the Children - Awasisak Ohchi”

Project Lead: Cree Nations Treatment Haven
Location: Canwood, Saskatchewan

Established in 1987, the Cree Nations Treatment Haven has treated approximately 2300 clients from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. It will create an Indian Residential School Survivors Commemoration Gallery and house historical documents on site. Several events will take place at the gallery, such as traditional and contemporary art contests, healing circles and speaking events.

“Returning the Teachers Restoring the Balance”

Project Lead: Eagle Moon Health Office, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan

The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s Eagle Moon Health Office was established in 2005 to deliver health services to those living in Southern Saskatchewan. They will host two family healing camps and a larger community gathering for former students of Residential Schools and their families at ceremonial grounds in Regina, Saskatchewan. Through the delivery of traditional healing practices and ceremonies, they will create awareness and understanding of traditional healing in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and help individuals on their healing journeys.

“Buffalo: A Memorial”

Project Lead: George Poitras Memorial Foundation Inc.
Location: Ituna, Saskatchewan

The George Poitras Memorial Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 2008 by the family of George Poitras, to honour their father who attended the Fort Qu’Appelle Indian Residential School. The Foundation will create a 60 minute video documentary called “Buffalo: A Memorial”, about the life of George Poitras.

“Moving Beyond Our Past”

Project Lead: Kahkewistahaw Band
Location: Broadview, Saskatchewan

The Kahkewistahaw Band is a Cree and Saulteaux Nation approximately 150 kilometers east of Regina, Saskatchewan. They will host a number of events, such as: a feast, a banquet with an apology from Presbyterian and or United Church representative, and an event to premiere the Kahkewistahaw Residential School Experience DVD production and documentary. Copies of the DVD will be distributed to the school library to raise awareness in youth to help them better understand their history, culture and identity.

“Journey to Healing”

Project Lead: Onion Lake Community Healing & Wellness Program
Location: Onion Lake, Saskatchewan

Onion Lake Treaty 6 First Nation sits on the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Onion Lake was the site of two Residential Schools, St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic and St. Barnabas Anglican Residential Schools. They will host several events which will centre on healing and reconciliation such as: annual health walk and reunion of all former Indian Residential School students, men & women’s healing circles, medicine wheel teachings, traditional parenting skills to address the intergenerational effects of Indian Residential Schools, and the building of a monument on each of the Indian Residential School sites.

“Peepeekisis Elders Centre”

Project Lead: Peepeekisis First Nation
Location: Balcarres, Saskatchewan

Peepeekisis First Nation is located 85 kilometers north east of Regina, Saskatchewan. They will renovate an existing building into an Elders Centre for Elders/former students and their families to connect and reflect on past experiences to promote healing in the community. Cultural and health programming at the Centre will promote traditional Cree culture and healthy living.

“TRC – Commemoration Initiative”

Project Lead: Wahpiimoostoosis – Starblanket Cree Nation #83
Location: Lebret, Saskatchewan

The Wahpiimoostoosis Healing Centre was created by the Starblanket Cree Nation and is known to be a healing and counseling centre for former students of Indian Residential Schools. They will host a banquet to pay tribute to former Residential School students from the Star Blanket Cree Nation who have passed on, as well as those still living. Traditional ceremonies will promote healing and reconciliation within the community. The First Nations University’s School of Journalism will record and create a DVD of the event to provide a lasting component to this Commemoration initiative.

“Yellow Quill Commemorative Initiative”

Project Lead: Yellow Quill First Nation
Location: Yellow Quill, Saskatchewan

Yellow Quill First Nation, Treaty 4, is located approximately 250 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon. They will create an oral history project, host an opening ceremony and develop a permanent exhibit to commemorate and contribute to the healing process of this community’s long Indian Residential Schools’ history.

Manitoba

“Creating a New Legacy”

Project Lead: Brandon Friendship Centre Inc.
Location: Brandon, Manitoba

The Brandon Friendship Centre Inc. is an urban Aboriginal service delivery agency that has been in existence for over 45 years, aiding the Aboriginal population of southwestern Manitoba. They will hold a number of activities, including: a monthly ‘Commemorative Elder’s Coffee Club’, for former students to come together and share stories and pictures; “Healing the Hurt” collection book, comprised of statements from former students regarding their healing journey; monthly healing circles; four awareness seminars; a National Day of Healing and Reconciliation plaque ceremony; an Indian residential school Anniversary of the Apology Feast; a National Aboriginal Day celebration and a two-day Wellness Conference.

“Homecoming – A Sacred Circle”

Project Lead: Diocese of Rupert’s Land and the Rupert’s Land Aboriginal Circle
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Rupert’s Land Aboriginal Circle is a committee of the Synod of the Incorporated Diocese of Rupert’s Land, with the purpose of representing the concerns of Aboriginal Anglicans, show governance in the Anglican Church, and live out the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. They will hold a one and a half day Sacred Circle for former Residential School students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants, clergy, bishops and other members of the community. This will be an opportunity to develop sustainable mechanisms to ensure support is available for former students as they continue on their healing journey.

“Hollow Water Reconciliation Cultural Camp”

Project Lead: Hollow Water First Nation – Community
Location: Wanipigow, Manitoba

The Hollow Water First Nation is located approximately 190 kilometers north of Winnipeg. They will hold a six-day community gathering for former students of Residential School, their families and representatives from churches and government to share stories and participate in traditional activities. A monument will be built as a lasting legacy, with a feast and ceremonial unveiling.

“Indian Residential School Survivors Commemorative Gathering”

Project Lead: Peguis First Nation
Location: Peguis, Manitoba

The Peguis First Nation is one of the largest First Nations in Manitoba. They will be hosting a three-day gathering on the Peguis Treaty Grounds and Pow Wow Arbor that will include a series of talking circles, workshops, traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, and daily opening and closing ceremonies. A tree-planting ceremony and the installation of a commemorative plaque will be held to memorialize former students who have passed on.

Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation Commemoration Project

Project Lead: Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation
Location: Marius, Manitoba

The Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, through the committee of the Sandy Bay Health Centre and the Council of Elders, will hold several workshops/sharing circles in the community as well as a community-wide cultural camp to promote traditional teachings, medicines, and language. Through the use of social networking, they will initiate discussions and informal meetings to acknowledge former students and their families. Information received through these activities will be compiled as keepsake notebooks for the community. A memorial garden will also be created by the community with a pow wow to mark the completion of the gardens.

Ontario

“Ausubpeeshoseewagong Netum Anishnabek Residential School Commemorative Project”

Project Lead: Ausubpeeshoseewagong Netum Anishnabek
Location: Grassy Narrows, Ontario

Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishnabek (also known as Grassy Narrows First Nation) is located approximately 106 kilometers northwest of Kenora, Ontario. Grassy Narrows First Nation will design and erect, in the center of the community, a monument engraved with approximately 300 names of former Residential School students, surrounded by granite benches. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will unveil the commemorative monument, followed by a pow wow, feast, speeches, healing ceremonies, story-telling and traditional give away to the former students, elders and distinguished guests.

“A Journey of Healing & Rebuilding 2012: Gathering & Conference”

Project Lead: Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association is a non-profit organization mandated to provide for the well-being of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni who are former students of the former Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools. They will hold a gathering for former students and their families to raise public awareness about the effects of Indian Residential Schools. Stories, photographs and other materials gathered will contribute to those collected by the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association over the last 30 years.

“Mount Elgin Memorial Commemoration”

Project Lead: Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Location: Muncey, Ontario

The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, located approximately 20 kilometers southwest of London, Ontario, will hold a regional event to include ten First Nation communities. They will construct a permanent memorial, including a garden with benches on the grounds of the former Mount Elgin Residential School, as a place of healing and reconciliation. The unveiling of the monument will be followed by a commemoration and recognition ceremony to raise awareness and promote healing within communities.

“Garden River Residential School Initiative”

Project Lead: Garden River First Nation
Location: Garden River, Ontario

The Garden River First Nation/Anishnabek Information Technology Centre, in partnership with The Garden River Wellness Centre will host this project. They will host a banquet, create a memorial plaque, and conduct community outreach to promote healing and reconciliation. Former students within the community will also have the opportunity to volunteer, plan, host and facilitate a variety of workshops for the community, enabling them to collect new information, share their expertise as well as renew and establish new friendships and support systems.

“Noodjmwag” Project”

Project Lead: Maadookii Seniors Group & Centre
Location: Wiarton, Ontario

The Maadookii Seniors Group & Centre was founded in 1990 to develop programs that meet the needs of seniors and their caregivers on reserve. They will reprint three ‘Elders of Neyaashiinigamiing” books containing the stories of elders, many of whom discuss their Indian Residential School experiences. Several ‘Common Ground’ dinners will bring together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, church leaders, politicians and historians. An archival project will also be housed at the Maadookii Centre and a dinner will be held to present the archival work to the community and honour former Residential School students.

“Nebenaigoching Cultural Festival and Commemoration”

Project Lead: Nebenaigoching Heritage Inc.
Location: Batchawawana Bay, Ontario

Nebenaigoching Heritage Inc. was founded by former Residential School student and hereditary Chief Edward Nebenaigoching in 2000, in an effort to preserve and promote Anishnabe language, heritage and culture. This two-day conference will feature motivational presenters, traditional circles, an honouring ceremony for former students/native veterans, and a traditional round dance.

“North Bay Indian Friendship Centre – Commemorative Initiative”

Project Lead: North Bay Indian Friendship Centre
Location: North Bay, Ontario

The North Bay Friendship Centre has as its mission to improve the quality of life for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people in the urban environment of North Bay. They will expand the scope and effect of the Third Annual “Maamwi Kindaaswin Festival”, with a focus on the history of Indian Residential Schools. This festival will provide the opportunity to unveil two commemorative art pieces and an Eagle Staff. All planning and activities will be carried out within the framework of traditional values and knowledge with the guidance of traditional elders.

“Spanish Residential School Commemoration Gatherings”

Project Lead: Spanish Residential School Legacy Association
Location: Spanish, Ontario

The Spanish Residential School Legacy Association, in partnership with representatives of local First Nations, the town of Spanish, the United Church Healing Fund and the Jesuits of Canada will hold a gathering based upon holistic healing approaches that address spiritual, mental, emotional and physical components. Activities include daily sweat lodges, talking/healing circles, a Roman Catholic mass conducted by ordained Anishnaabe Ministers and commemoration ceremonies for two monuments. There will be an opportunity for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to collect stories from former students in attendance in a safe, secure environment.

“Attawapiskat Commemoration Committee”

Project Lead: Dr. Jacqueline Hookima-Witt
Location: Attawapiskat, Ontario

The Attawapiskat First Nation is a Mushkegowuk (Swampy Cree) community on the Ontario James Bay coast. They will hold several activities to inform the community about Indian Residential Schools and to encourage understanding, healing and reconciliation. Activities include cultural and healing workshops; the production of a video documentary containing interviews with elders, former Residential School students their families; and the creation of a photo book with a collection of historic photos. A stained-glass window will also permanently memorialize former Residential School students.

“Mamowpiimoosaywilin” – “Walking Forward Together”

Project Lead: Webequie Residential School Survivor Team
Location: Webequie, Ontario

The Webequie First Nation is an isolated Oji-Cree community situated approximately 540 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. They will host a two-week camping event to honour and celebrate the residents of Webequie First Nation. As well, they will design and develop a stone cairn with a brass plaque to permanently commemorate the Webequie First Nation’s Residential School history.

Quebec

“Mamawandjihidinan (Meeting place where we come together to talk)”

Project Lead: Anicinabe Mikana
Location: Temiskcaming, Quebec

Anicinabe Mikana is a cultural group recognized by the leadership of Eagle Village First Nation-Kipawa and is comprised of former Indian Residential School students and descendents of former Residential School students. They will construct a traditional structure to honour and pay tribute to former Residential School students, their families and communities, and will be used to restore the culture, traditional ways and language of the Eagle Village First Nation. This structure will raise public awareness about the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and serve to memorialize in a tangible way the Indian Residential School experience.

“Semaine culturelle et de réconciliation de Natashquan”

Project Lead: Conseil des Montagnais et Comite de réconciliation de Natashquan
Location: Natashquan, Cte Dupleasis, Quebec

The Conseil des Montagnais and the Comité de réconciliation de Natashquan will host a week-long commemoration event including a series of cultural activities and ceremonies, an art fair that showcases the work of local Aboriginal artists, and a large pow wow gathering to help the Innu of Montagnais reconnect with their culture, values and traditions.

“Projet Citoyen de Rencontre”

Project Lead: Initiatives et Changement
Location: LaSalle, Quebec

Initiatives of Change Canada and Initiatives et Changements, Quebec chapter are non-profit organizations that work on the principle that dialogue is the basis for sustainable change in society. The Quebec chapter will hold and facilitate three dialogue circles with participants from Francophone, Anglophone and Aboriginal communities in Montreal, Quebec City and Victoriaville. Through these dialogue circles, they will create dialogue, build trust and promote awareness around the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and its effects on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Quebec.

Atlantic

“Wela’liek tan telnutuiek/Thank you for hearing our voices”

Project Lead: Aboriginal Survivors for Healing Inc.
Location: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

The Aboriginal Survivors for Healing Inc. is a not-for-profit organization mandated to provide services and support to former students of the Shubenacadie Residential School and their families residing on Prince Edward Island. They will host a three-day gathering on Prince Edward Island to honour former students, and will craft a quilt to depict memories of the Shubenacadie Residential School as a permanent memorial to former Residential School students. A feast will mark the installation of the memorial at Province House, the provincial legislature, and will bring together former Residential School students and their families from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

“Mawiomi 2012 – A Healing Gathering”

Project Lead: Mi'kmaq Association for Cultural Studies
Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia

The Mi’kmaq Association for Cultural Studies is a not-for-profit organization representing the interests of Nova Scotia’s thirteen First Nation communities and is mandated to promote and preserve Mi’kmaq culture. Their event will include an opening healing ceremony, a cultural village, a day devoted to education, a meditation teepee, Mi’kmaq Nation musical tribute, the premiere of a documentary entitled ‘The Mi’kmaq People: A Story of Survival’, a legacy scroll for the public to sign and a birthday party celebration to celebrate the birthdays of all former Residential School students who never had the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays.

“We Carry Each Other’s Memories”

Project Lead: Mi’Kmaq Maliseet Healing Networking Centre – Mawiw Council Inc.
Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick

The Mi’kmaq Maliseet Healing Networking Centre is an initiative of the Mawiw Council Inc., and undertakes healing, outreach, public education and research activities to address the healing needs of former Indian Residential School students and their families in the three largest First Nation communities in New Brunswick. They will develop a travelling exhibit, and establish a permanent structure in each community to commemorate former students of Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. As well, they will establish an Indian Residential School Resource Centre, and hold cultural ceremonies and spiritual activities to unveil the resource centre, exhibit and community structures.

“Shubenacadie Residential School Commemoration Project”

Project Lead: Shubenacadie Band Council
Location: Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia

Shubenacadie First Nation is located approximately eight kilometers from the town of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia and is the second largest First Nation community in Nova Scotia. They will host a three-day event for approximately 700 former students and their families and non-Aboriginal participants to learn about the history of Indian Residential Schools, Mi’kmaq/Maliseet culture and to celebrate the resiliency of former students of Residential Schools. A traditional feast will be followed by the unveiling of the Shubenacadie Residential School Survivors Monument – Circle of Healing.

North

“The Journey to Freedom”

Project Lead: Dene Nation
Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

The Dene Nation is an Aboriginal Governmental Organization serving the 30 Dene Chiefs and communities in Denendeh, Northwest Territories. They will undertake a number of events to contribute toward healing and reconciliation in the Northwest Territories, including: the construction of a permanent monument structure with information about the historic Residential School that was established in Fort Providence; the creation of ‘Remembrance Day’ for past and present former students of Fort Providence, including all other Indian Residential Schools in the North; and the creation of a ceremonial monument as sacred grounds and a place of spiritual gathering for future generations.

“2012 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Cultural Camp”

Project Lead: Kitikmeot Heritage Society
Location: Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

The Kitikmeot Heritage Society is an Inuit controlled non-profit organization whose mandate is to aid in the preservation and promotion of Inuit culture and language through traditional activities that are both healing and empowering to all those affected by the Residential School era in the Cambridge Bay region. They will hold a ten-day cultural revitalization camp called the “2012 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Cultural Camp”, to take place on-the-land, where Elders can share their knowledge of traditional skills and activities with youth and former Residential School students.

“Commemorating Our Past – Carving Our Future”

Project Lead: Northern Cultural Expressions Society
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon

The Northern Cultural Expressions Society is a Yukon-based non-profit organization that manages and administers the Sundog Studio and gallery. Together, they will carve a 30 foot healing totem pole on First Nation traditional territory, on the banks of the Yukon River, in honour of former Residential School students and their families. They will also hold a traditional ceremony for the raising and installation of the totem pole.

“Ross River Prayer Circle Memorial”

Project Lead: Ross River Dena Council
Location: Ross River, Yukon

The Ross River Dena Council, located about 360 kilometers northeast of Whitehorse, Yukon, provides governance for the Kaska Dena community of Ross River and its traditional territory in the Yukon. They will build a Prayer Circle Memorial using a mix of traditional and contemporary art. This culturally functional monument will serve to both honour the experiences of former students of Residential Schools and to provide a place of traditional healing for the community.

“Inuvialuit Settlement Regional Drum Dance – Workshop & Performance”

Project Lead: Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation
Location: Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories

The Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation is located in the community of Tuktoyaktuk, one of the six Inuvialuit settlement communities, and is located on the coastal peninsula on the Beaufort Sea. They will host a series of cultural Drum Dance workshops including: sharing circles, gospel sing-alongs, and the passing down of traditional knowledge from Elders to youth.