Commemoration 2012-2013 - Project Descriptions

National

“AFN/AHF Commemoration Proposal”

Project Lead: Assembly of First Nations and Aboriginal Healing Foundation
Location: Ottawa, Ontario

The Assembly of First Nations and Aboriginal Healing Foundation are partnering to develop a national framework that establishes commemorative plaques and monuments at the site of each of the Indian Residential Schools recognized under the Settlement Agreement. An interactive website will be created, as well as a mobile application that allows visitors to search and access historical information with GPS locations for each of the Indian Residential Schools.

“CRWB New Work – Aboriginal Inspiration”

Project Lead: Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Taking inspiration from the stories and emotions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet will develop a story reflecting the spirit of truth and reconciliation and which offers a future based on hope and dreams. Aboriginal creative talent and artistry will combine with a traditional ballet to create a work that honours the national and historical significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Witness: Pieces of History”

Project Lead: Carey Newman & Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Location: Victoria, British Columbia

Artist Carey Newman and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre have partnered to create a national blanket from reclaimed materials collected from Indian Residential Schools, symbolizing unity and belonging. Piecing together these articles, Carey will illustrate the healing journey that has led to this commemorative project and through the collection of the pieces, Canadians of all faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities will be invited to participate in the reconciliatory process. A commemorative plaque will be installed at each spot across the country from where pieces are collected.

“2012 Indian Ecumenical Conference”

Project Lead: Centre for Indian Scholars
Location: Morley, Alberta

The Centre for Indian Scholars will hold the 2012 Indian Ecumenical Conference in Ermineskin, Alberta. This four-day conference will bring together native Christian and traditional practitioners to address issues faced by intergenerational survivors, promote traditional languages, cultures and spiritual ways, and to discuss social and environmental issues and hopes for the future.

“Project of Heart – Commemorating the Children for Future Generations”

Project Lead: Native Counseling Services of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

In this project, the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation, through the Native Counseling Services of Alberta and Project of Heart have partnered to establish permanent memorial-commemoration exhibits in each province and territory, made using the Project of Heart tiles created by children, youth and elders in schools across the country. Led by an Aboriginal artist in each region, the tiles will be used to create a lasting and permanent exhibit of resiliency and reconciliation for future generations. Project of Heart was designed and implemented by Sylvia Smith, an Ottawa-based high school teacher, as a means to engage and educate her own students, and others across the country in understanding, learning and reconciling with the history of Indian Residential Schools. Sylvia Smith is a recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching History.

“Restoring Reconciliation”

Project Lead: National Capital Radio Association
Location: Ottawa, Ontario

The National Capital Radio Association will use the power of radio to help reconcile Canadians with the history of Indian Residential Schools through the production of a series of radio documentaries on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former students’ stories and the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools. “Red Slam Jams” will be held on campus radio stations across the country, showcasing Aboriginal artists in the field of spoken word, music, and multi-media art.

“Le Petit Sauvage”

Project Lead: Centre d’amitié autochtone de Québec
Location: Quebec City, Quebec

The Centre d’amitié autochtone de Québec, the Native Friendship Centre of Québec, will lead the production of a documentary entitled “Le Petit Sauvage”, based on the life of Algonquin Chief, Dominique Rankin, and his experiences in Indian Residential Schools. This fifty two-minute, bilingual documentary is based on the life of Chief Rankin but also tells the story of thousands of other Aboriginal children who faced similar experiences. The documentary will be distributed nationally and will promote healing and reconciliation.

“Trilogy for Healing – Film Project”

Project Lead: Path to Freedom Films Ltd. – Georgina Lightning
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

The Trilogy for Healing is a film project created to promote and inspire the spirit of healing for the individual, the family, the community and the nation as a whole. This provocative permanent document will continue to validate, educate, enlighten and encourage the healing and reconciliation process for former Residential School students and their families. This trilogy includes three full feature-length documentaries entitled “Path to Freedom”, “Fantasies of Flying” and “Grandmother’s Medicine” and will weave profiles of personal intimate stories and healing journeys that involve ceremony, traditions and dialogue from experts in culture, trauma and healing.

British Columbia

“The Medicine Place”

Project Lead: Ahousaht First Nation
Location: Ahousaht, British Columbia

The Ahousaht First Nation will construct a traditional medicine place to create a space where former students and their families can gather outdoors to hold healing and reconciliation sessions, built in memory of the former students across Canada who have passed on. The structure will be approximately 40’ x 20’, with a roof, posts, beams and a solid floor, and will be surrounded by benches. The names of former students, past and present, will be engraved in stone that will be placed around the wall of the medicinal pool. A monument will be built and installed near the structure, and surrounded by cedar and alder trees.

“Healing Through Words”

Project Lead: Canim Lake Band Wellness Centre
Location: Canim Lake, British Columbia

As part of its Commemoration project in 2012-2013, the Canim Lake Band Wellness Centre will develop a memory book, “Collection of Memories”, similar to a school year book allowing former students to create their own memory pages using pictures and documents – a permanent legacy for future generations. In addition, they will host a “Heritage Show” dedicated to Indian Residential School experiences, showcasing historical pictures and documents. A series of two-day “Community and Family Gatherings” will allow families to share their personal experiences with their extended family members in a private family setting. Finally, they will host a two-day community gathering at the Band arbour to provide the community the opportunity for healing and closure.

“Revitalizing Our Graveyards”

Project Lead: Cook’s Ferry Indian Band
Location: Spences Bridge, British Columbia

To commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band will create and install headstones for deceased former Residential School students who are buried in the local graveyard. Once installed, a traditional ceremony will be held to honour former students and their families and to provide them with the opportunity to tell their stories.

“Commemoration Day”

Project Lead: Cowichan Tribes
Location: Duncan, British Columbia

Cowichan Tribes will host a “Commemoration Day” community event, a cultural celebration, bringing together the Cowichan Tribes community, local governments and various organizations to further affirm, validate and acknowledge the effects of the Indian Residential School experience. The event will provide a forum to create awareness about the truth of the Indian Residential School experience and improve the collective mindsets and attitudes, forging positive and shared outlooks that will lend to reconciliation.

“Commemoration Project”

Project Lead: Esketemc
Location: Williams Lake, British Columbia

The Esketemc community will host a three-day gathering for former students of Residential Schools and their families, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community leaders and members to witness and honour the stories and healing journey of their communities. Daily activities that include sacred ceremonies and listening circles will validate the effects of intergenerational trauma and provide support for healing, workshops for healing and dialogue circles for reconciliation.

“The Faces of Residential School – May They Never Be Forgotten”

Project Lead: Inter Tribal Health Authority
Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia

The Inter Tribal Health Authority will host a Commemorative Day event for former Residential School students and their families and local community members and networks to honour the experiences of former students of Residential Schools and to bring about healing and reconciliation within the community. Activities include a blanket ceremony, sharing circles and the creation of lasting legacies with a photograph memory-board and digital recordings of interviews with former students.

“Truth and Healing Project – Mission BC”

Project Lead: Mission Friendship Centre Society
Location: Mission, British Columbia

The Mission Friendship Centre Society has joined together with Elders, former students and their families and a number of local partners in health and social service delivery to develop a tri-part Commemoration event that consists of a truth sharing presentation, the unveiling of a commemoration piece and a mini pow wow, as well as a honouring ceremony for former students with a welcoming by City Council.

“Residential School Memorial Healing Pole”

Project Lead: Moricetown Band
Location: Moricetown, British Columbia

The Moricetown Band will revitalize ancestral traditions with the carving and rising of a totem pole that tells the story of the Wet’suwet’en people from pre-contact, through the Indian Residential Schools era, to the journey of healing and the return to a healthy nation. A raising ceremony and potlatch will celebrate the completion of the totem pole and recognize the courage of former students of Residential Schools.

“Retrieving Our Souls – Healing Residential School Trauma”

Project Lead: Mount Currie Band – Health Centre
Location: Mount Currie, British Columbia

The Lil’wat Nation will host a three-day intergenerational Commemoration community gathering to recognize the effects of the Indian Residential School system. The ceremony is designed to symbolically offer the students a place of belonging in the community and to honour those students who never returned home.

“We Are Telling Our Stories For Our Children and Grandchildren”

Project Lead: Nazko First Nation
Location: Quesnel, British Columbia

Nazko First Nation and its partners will create a DVD recording of community Elders recounting stories of their youth, including family life, Indian Residential School experiences and their return home. This DVD will be passed on as a lasting legacy to younger generations for them to learn about the history of Indian Residential Schools in their community and of the traditional way of life. A winter lodge will also be built as a gathering place for Elders, where they can share knowledge with younger generations and the general public about preparing foods, leather crafting and language.

“Tri-Nations Honouring Holistic Healing”

Project Lead: Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society
Location: Williams Lake, British Columbia

Nenqayni Wellness Centre will install a permanent memorial and host an unveiling gathering that will bring together a variety of nations and people to honour and validate the experiences and healing of former Residential School students from across Canada. The ceremony around the unveiling of this memorial will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal people to support one another while showcasing their traditions and strengths to non-Aboriginal groups and individuals.

“Memorial Potlatch”

Project Lead: Nuxalk Nation Transition House
Location: Bella Coola, British Columbia

The Nuxalk Nation Transition House will host a Memorial Potlatch to honour the past and present former Residential School students, and will permanently memorialize the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with the creation and installation of a plaque, engraved with the names of all former students of Nuxalk ancestry. Cultural components such as song and dance, and traditional vests, tunics and shawls, will play a strong role in the event.

“Alberni Indian Residential School Art Commemoration Feast”

Project Lead: Port Alberni Friendship Centre
Location: Port Alberni, British Columbia

The legacy of this event will be a commemorative educational publication with reproductions of art created at the Alberni Residential School in the late 1950s through the early 1960s, and a history of the art program at this school. A traditional feast will be held to honour and commemorate the creative and artistic visions of children who attended the Alberni Residential School and will be a platform for intergenerational discussions about the power of art to express culture and identity.

“Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Healing and Commemoration Ceremony”

Project Lead: Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Location: Tofino, British Columbia

The Tla-o-qui-aht Elders Group and the Tla-o-qui-aht Health Department will commemorate the Indian Residential School legacy and its effects on the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations through the carving of a totem pole and a pole raising event. This totem pole will serve as a reminder of the common experience of many Aboriginal people across Canada and will be marked by a totem pole raising event that includes healing circles and a community gathering and feast.

“Tseshaht First Nation: Remembering and Healing”

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

The Tseshaht First Nation will develop a Remembrance Park and Garden, a peaceful place that is welcoming, restful and promotes personal healing. The Park will be marked with a monument dedicated to all members of the Tseshaht First Nation and other nations that were effected by the Indian Residential School system and will contain information on the Indian Residential School experience in English and Nuu-Chah-Nulth. An unveiling event will be held to mark the completion of the Remembrance Park & Garden and monument.

“The Yuutu?it?ath Healing Entrance”

Project Lead: Yuutu?it?ath (Ucluelet First Nation)
Location: Ucluelet, British Columbia

The Ucluelet First Nation will create a Spiritual Healing Entrance to the new Yuutu?it?ath multi-use facility to honour, recognize and memorialize the experiences of those members who were effected by the Indian Residential School legacy. This space will include a number of components such as a healing wall, a traditional cedar carved welcoming figure, a traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth garden, interpretive panels, and a time capsule containing historical artifacts. This project will provide a peaceful, healing and sacred space that stands as an enduring reminder of the cultural resilience and traditions of the Yuutu?it?ath.

Alberta

“Indian Residential School Commemoration Initiative”

Project Lead: Athabasca Tribal Council
Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta

Athabasca Tribal Council has partnered with five First Nations communities to commemorate the Indian Residential Schools legacy through the development and installation of commemorative monuments and plaques in each of the five communities. Unveiling ceremonies and events will take place in each community, respecting the diverse traditions of the Cree, Dene and Métis people represented, and will contribute to the overall healing and reconciliation in this region.

“Cold Lake First Nations Denesuline Freedom Park”

Project Lead: Cold Lake First Nations
Location: Cold Lake, Alberta

The Cold Lake First Nation will design, create and install a permanent monument on Cold Lake First Nations lands. The interior wall of the monument will bear a metal plate with engravings of the names of all attendees. A cobble stone pathway, a sculpture designed by former students, and landscaping using shrubbery donated by families of former students who have passed on will complete the monument. This monument will be unveiled during a two-day cultural event that will celebrate the resiliency and strength of the Cold Lake First Nations peoples.

“Treaty No. 1-11 Commemorative Initiatives for Residential School Survivors”

Project Lead: Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with a three-day gathering that honours the women of Treaty Six and promotes reconciliation among former students and intergenerational survivors. Healing affirmations will be made and traditional healing practices will be incorporated to encourage former students and their families along the healing journey.

“Welcome Home: A Commemorative Round Dance & Plaque Ceremony”

Project Lead: Creating Hope Society of Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

The Creating Hope Society of Alberta will create a permanent lasting memorial in which community members in Edmonton (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) can commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with the installation of a commemorative plaque at the entrance of McDougall Park in Edmonton. A ceremony will unveil the commemorative plaque and will be followed by a Round Dance to honour and validate the healing and reconciliation of former students and their families.

“Grandin Station Revisioning”

Project Lead: Francophonie jeunesse de l’Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

A mural donated by Francophonie jeunesse de l’Alberta in 1989 and currently displayed on the west wall of the Grandin LRT Station in Edmonton, Alberta will be re-visioned, re-designed and re-installed. Under the direction of a prominent Aboriginal artist, with input from Aboriginal and Francophone youth, and in consultation with Elders and former Residential School students, the new mural will reconcile the shared history between Aboriginal peoples, the Francophone community, and Canadians. The new art installation will replace the existing mural at the Grandin LRT Station and will be unveiled during a traditional ceremony.

“Reconciling the Past: Digital Storytelling 2012”

Project Lead: Fishing Lake Métis Settlement
Location: Sputinow, Alberta

The community of Fishing Lake Métis Settlement will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools by building upon the healing and successes achieved in previous years of holding this digital storytelling project. Community youth will work with former Residential School students, their families and Elders to gather and digitally record their Indian Residential School stories, compiling them into the community’s digital museum. Bringing youth and elders together in this project to commemorate the experiences of former students will continue this community on its healing journey and contribute to lasting reconciliation.

“Knowing our Spirits Conference”

Project Lead: Iyiniw Education & Training Institute
Location: St. Paul, Alberta

The Iyiniw Education & Training Institute Inc. will host the 19th Annual “Knowing our Spirits” conference. Over the past 19 years, this conference has focused on the effects of colonization and Indian Residential Schools, addressing issues of loss of culture and language, abuse, lateral violence and provides attendees with the resources to improve their quality of life.

“Unraveling the effects of Historic Trauma by Connecting Cree People to Language and Culture”

Project Lead: Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute
Location: St. Albert, Alberta

The Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotions Institute will develop an eight-week experiential Cree language program that will give graduates a sense of accomplishment and pride as they learn creation stories, the origin of Cree syllabics, and acquire the language by taking eight modules addressing language, culture, traditional and spiritual values, fostering a positive state of inner harmony and peace towards reconciliation.

“Siksika Reconciliation Commemoration”

Project Lead: Siksika Health Services
Location: Siksika, Alberta

Siksika Health Services will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools in a four-part project that involves the installation of a permanent memorial, the creation and installation of a Residential School marker at the site of each of the Indian Residential Schools on the Siksika Reserve (Old Sun and Cluny), the development of a publication documenting former students’ stories, and the development of a permanent exhibit that will communicate the story of Indian Residential Schools to the Siksika Nation and all Canadians. Commemorative events will be held to mark the unveiling and completion of these projects.

“Tsuu T’ina Residential School Graveyards Commemoration Project”

Project Lead: Tsuu T’ina Culture Program
Location: Calgary, Alberta

The Tsuu T’ina Culture Program will develop and install three commemorative markers at the sites of the two boarding schools on the Tsuu T’ina reserve (St. Barnabas School and Sarcee Boarding School), and at the reserve graveyard where former Residential School students are buried. An interactive museum display will be created to commemorate former students and will be linked to a website where community members can maintain dialogue and interact with one another on an ongoing basis.

Saskatchewan

“Honouring Residential School Survivors & Celebrating Resilience”

Project Lead: Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation
Location: Duck Lake, Saskatchewan

The Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation will host a pow wow honouring former students of Residential Schools and celebrating First Nation resilience. This pow wow will incorporate sacred ceremonies that support healing and the preservation of a strong cultural identity. Additionally, a memorial monument will be constructed and installed at the former site of St. Michael’s Residential School, honouring those who attended Indian Residential Schools, those who have passed on, and those who are on their healing journeys.

“Journey to Truth”

Project Lead: Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations will connect with Saskatchewan youth to strike a Youth Assembly to improve and enhance relationships between former students of Indian Residential Schools and intergenerational survivors. As a lasting component to this project, a soft-cover keepsake book will also be created using important documents such as the Prime Minister’s Apology, a map of Indian Residential Schools across Canada, brief statements from former students, and other important pieces of Indian Residential School history.

“St. Phillips Commemoration Project”

Project Lead: Keeseekoose First Nation
Location: Kamsack, Saskatchewan

The St. Phillips Residential School Project Council, with the support of the Keeseekoose First Nation, will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with this three-part project that includes statement gathering in the language of the St. Phillips students using video and audio formats, the installation of a monument and commemorative plaques located at the sight of the St. Phillips Residential School and a variety of events and activities to educate the community and general public about the legacy of Residential Schools.

“Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Commemorative Initiative Proposal”

Project Lead: Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Location: Marcelin, Saskatchewan

The Muskeg Lake Cree Nation will host a series of events and workshops to commemorate the experiences of former students of Indian Residential Schools and to foster reconciliation through learning and storytelling with a special focus on intergenerational activities. As a lasting component, a Commemoration Wall will be built at the site of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Veterans Memorial from clay tiles designed by event attendees commemorating the Indian Residential School experience.

“Muskoday Tribute to Residential School Survivors”

Project Lead: Muskoday Pow wow Committee
Location: Muskoday, Saskatchewan

The Muskoday Pow wow Committee will host its 21^st annual traditional pow wow in 2012. To commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, this year’s pow wow will acknowledge the Indian Residential School experience with a commemorative event during the pow wow. As well, an unveiling ceremony will celebrate the installation of a permanent memorial monument to honour former students of Residential Schools. This monument will be placed at the Clan Mother’s Park on Muskoday First Nation grounds.

“Opawikoscikan School – Moise Canada Culture Centre Restoration/Memorial Project”

Project Lead: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Location: Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan

To commemorate the legacy of Residential Schools, the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation will develop a Memorial Hallway inside the Moise Canada Cultural Centre with a photo display of former Residential School students and community Elders. An addition will be made to the cultural centre to house a museum, exhibiting photos, artifacts and handicraft models. A cultural camp and closing ceremonies will promote the healing process and pay tribute to former students of the Indian Residential Schools system.

“Reclaiming the Spirit – Future Generations”

Project Lead: Prince Albert Grand Council
Location: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

In commemoration of the Indian Residential School legacy, the Prince Albert Grand Council will establish a museum on the site of the Prince Albert Residential School. The creation of the museum will celebrate the resiliency of former students of the Indian Residential School system in a way that restores dignity and pride among First Nations people, and will act as the site where cultural events and activities will take place. As well, the Prince Albert Grand Council will work with school boards and educational professionals to develop curriculum on the history of Indian Residential Schools to raise awareness and educate Canadians about this chapter of Canadian history.

“The Child Taken”

Project Lead: Saskatoon Tribal Council
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Saskatoon Tribal Council will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools through the placement of nine Indian Residential School monuments, seven in each of the seven member First Nations, one in the Saskatoon Tribal Council building, and one within the city of Saskatoon. Each of these monuments will be unveiled with a traditional ceremony. These monuments will be representative of the strength, resilience and achievements of former Residential School students, and will memorialize a common history.

“Ka-Kwa-Ta-Ke-Ta-Cik – Silent Survivor”

Project Lead: Thunder Spirit Consulting
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Thunder Spirit Consulting will create and present a public dance performance using traditional dance, music and culture to tell the story of Indian Residential Schools, providing an opportunity for all to learn about this chapter in Canadian history. A traditional feast will bring the community together to celebrate a rich history and culture. The event will be digitally recorded and available as a lasting legacy of this commemoration initiative. Finally, the St. Michael’s Indian Residential School Survivor’s Society will be equipped with the resources to maintain and upkeep the neglected graveyard near the St. Michael’s Residential School site.

Manitoba

“Achako Atamiskatowin – Rediscover Our Spirit”

Project Lead: Achako Atamiskatowin Program & Cross Lake Band of Indians
Location: Cross Lake, Manitoba

The Achako Atamiskatowin and Cross Lake Band of Indians will commemorate the Indian Residential School experience for the ten surrounding and fly in communities that were effected by the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. This Commemoration event will include gathering and recording personal statements from former students for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s archived collection, and will incorporate traditional cultural dancing, drumming and customs to promote healing and reconciliation. A monument will be installed to permanently memorialize the Indian Residential School experience and to honour former students.

“The Moving Gallery: An Artistic Process of Reconciliation”

Project Lead: Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Building on the Moving Gallery that was performed at the first Truth and Reconciliation Commission national event in Winnipeg, in 2010, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People will extend the Moving Gallery with new stories, hopes, healing words art in the form of spoken word and a visual art based theatrical production. A monument composed of four mural pieces designed by youth and former Residential School students will be permanently fixed to the wall of the Manitoba Theatre for Young People entrance. This project will focus on stories of survival, intergenerational effects and the legacy of silence, and reconciliation.

“Commemorating the Experience of McKay Indian Residential School Survivors”

Project Lead: McKay Indian Residential School Gathering Inc.
Location: York Factory, Manitoba

The McKay Indian Residential School Gathering Inc. will commemorate their Indian Residential School experience by preserving and sharing with the wider community a photographic record of the McKay Indian Residential School and of former students of this school. They will also produce commemorative products that tell the stories of former students who attended the school. These products will be distributed to schools and the greater community. Finally, a gathering will be held to honour former students at the site of the former Residential School, which still stands in Dauphin, Manitoba.

“Pinaymootang First Nation Residential School Commemoration – Remembering the Past and Looking into the Future”

Project Lead: Pinaymootang First Nation
Location: Fairford, Manitoba

The Pinaymootang First Nation will memorialize the legacy of Indian Residential Schools in their community through the installation of a commemorative cairn at the entrance of the new band office. Colorado blue spruce trees will be planted at the site in honour of former students and a park area will be established for community members to enjoy. A series of gatherings and events will be held to mark milestone days such as the anniversary of the apology and the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation.

“Remembering the Children Commemorative Event”

Project Lead: Pine Creek First Nation
Location: Camperville, Manitoba

In honour of the former students of Residential Schools, the Pine Creek First Nation will host two celebratory feasts, and design and install a monument to commemorate the Indian Residential School experience. Youth and elders from the fifteen affected communities will come together to pay tribute and honour former Residential School students during the community’s annual pow wow.

“Poplar River First Nation Residential School Survivors Commemoration Project”

Project Lead: Poplar River First Nation
Location: Poplar River, Manitoba

To commemorate the history of Indian Residential Schools, the Poplar River First Nation will create and distribute a commemorative book and video that compiles 30 picture portraits and former students’ experiences collected in private interviews with former students. A photo gallery, consisting of mounted pictures taken from the book and personal photo collections, will be displayed in the Administration Building for visitors to learn about the history of Indian Residential Schools. Community meetings and feasts will be held to begin and conclude this project to celebrate the community’s resiliency and to promote healing and reconciliation.

Ontario

“Remembering the Children”

Project Lead: Chapleau Cree First Nation
Location: Chapleau, Ontario

The Chapleau Cree First Nation will restore the burial grounds located within the Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, improving the overall condition of this sacred site to one that is suitable for visitation and acknowledgment of former Residential School students who are buried at this site. A two-day ceremony will be held to pay respect and homage to former Residential School students and a commemorative plaque will be created and displayed as a lasting memorial to former student,s and to provide Canadians with the opportunity to learn about this history.

“Anishnaabemowin Mikwendan”

Project Lead: Chippewas of Nawash Language Nest
Location: Wiarton, Ontario

The Chippewas of Nawash Language Nest was formed in the 1990s to revitalize the language of the Nawash. To commemorate the effect of Indian Residential Schools, the Language Nest and local youth will record the dialect of Anishinaabemowin and produce DVDs of the recordings for distribution in the community and archiving in the Maadookii Centre’s archives. A written Guide Book to spelling and pronunciation of the Nawash Ojibwe dialect will be developed and become part of a community curriculum. Upon completion of this project, the DVDs and Guide Book will be launched at a community feast.

“Remembering Michael Sutherland, Michael Matinas and John Kioki”

Project Lead: Fort Albany First Nation
Location: Fort Albany, Ontario

The Sutherland Family and the community of Fort Albany will commemorate the lives of Michael Sutherland, Michael Matinas and John Kioki, who perished after leaving St. Anne’s Residential School over 70 years ago, never to be seen again. Their courage will be commemorated by the Fort Albany and Attawapiskat communities with the installation of a permanent memorial at the site of the St. Anne’s Residential School, and their lives will be celebrated with a community-wide feast.

“A Journey of Remembrance, Hope and Reconciliation”

Project Lead: Grand Council Treaty 3
Location: Kenora, Ontario

The Grand Council Treaty 3 will memorialize the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with the design, creation and establishment of commemorative monuments at the six Residential School sites in Treaty 3 territory: Ceclia Jeffrey Indian Residential School, St. Mary’s Residential School, St. Marguerite Residential School, McIntosh Residential School, Pelican Lake Residential School and Shoal Lake School Point. The monuments will pay tribute to and honour former students and their families, and will be marked with traditional ceremonies, gatherings, pow wow and a gala event.

“Honouring All Residential School Survivors and Healing our Spirits through Culture and Traditional Ceremonies”

Project Lead: Henvey Inlet First Nation
Location: Pickerel, Ontario

The Henvey Inlet First Nation will commemorate the effects of the Indian Residential School system and multi-generational effects on the community with a four-day ceremony and gathering event. It will honour former students and their families and promote healing and reconciliation through traditional spiritual ceremony.

“Ga-Mkwenmigoo Pane – We Will Remember”

Project Lead: Nipissing First Nation
Location: Garden Village, Ontario

The Nipissing First Nation represents nine communities scattered across the shores of Lake Nipissing. The Nipissing Nation will install two monuments, one in the eastern doorway and the other in the western doorway to the community, as permanent and lasting legacies to the former students of the Indian Residential Schools system. These monuments will serve to educate members and non-members of the Nipissing community about the history of Indian Residential Schools, contribute to the identity and sense of unity and belonging of the Nipissing people, and commemorate those students who have passed on to the spirit world. The unveiling of these monuments will be followed with a three-day community event.

“Coming Together, Sharing Our Journey”

Project Lead: Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

In this regional commemoration initiative, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) has as its primary objective to educate and inform the public about this shared history. NAN will review, update and create new curriculum for use by school boards, libraries and educational institutions. NAN will pay tribute to former students of Indian Residential Schools by installing a memorial with the names of those Nishnawbe Aski Nation students who never returned from Indian Residential Schools engraved on the memorial. A gathering and pow wow will be held to commemorate and honour former students of the Indian Residential School system.

“The ‘I’ of the Circle: Ways of Healing the World, Nations, Community, Family and Self”

Project Lead: Wasauksing First Nation
Location: Parry Sound, Ontario

The Wasauksing First Nation will undertake the “The ‘I’ of the Circle” project, consisting of five parts, the Gift of Awareness, Gift of Languages, Gift of Pow wow, Gift of Give-away and Gift of Turtle. The Parry Sound Library will be given a donation of books on Indian Residential Schools to raise awareness and educate Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people about the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools. A language preservation project will also be undertaken along with a pow wow, gifts to former Residential School Students and a permanent monument to be unveiled in the community as a lasting legacy for everyone.

“Honouring our Children, Families, and Communities Affected by Indian Residential Schools”.

Project Lead: Union of Ontario Indians
Location: North Bay, Ontario

The Union of Ontario Indians will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools through the design, development and installation of a central legacy monument inscribed with the names of all Anishnabek members who were former students. A ceremony will unveil the monument, fostering healing and reconciliation. In addition, educational narrative picture books, videos and computer-based educational materials will be designed, produced and printed for use in curriculum to promote awareness of the history of Indian Residential Schools.

Quebec

“Uitetau”

Project Lead: Conseil de Bande Itum
Location: Uashat, Quebec

The Conseil de Bande Itum will host a four-day gathering for former students in the ten regional communities to pay tribute to their Indian Residential School experience. A monument will be designed, created and installed at the site of the Notre Dame Residential School to permanently commemorate the school’s former students. The completion of the monument will be marked with an unveiling ceremony.

“Voix du Silence”

Project Lead: Espace Art Nature
Location: Neuville, Quebec

Espace Art Nature will create and develop an artistic production based on the testimonies from “Recueil d’histoires de vie des survivants des pensionnats indiens du Québec”. This production was first presented at Initiatives et Changement’s Projet Citoyen Dialogue Circle that took place in Victoriaville in March 2012. Espace Art Nature anticipates that this production will start dialogue about the history and effects of Indian Residential Schools in Quebec.

“Kikewin Mikana”

Project Lead: Première Nation d’Abitibiwinni
Location: Pikogan, Quebec

Premiere Nation d’Abitibiwinni will hold a three-day regional event for seven surrounding communities to commemorate the Indian Residential School experiences of former students in this region. The event will provide former students with the opportunity to give testimony to their experience, promote healing and reconciliation for these individuals, families and communities. Commemorative monuments and information panels will be designed and installed in each of the seven communities to permanently memorialize the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

“Projet Wampum”

Project Lead: Les Pléiades Associées
Location: Quebec, Quebec

Les Pléiades Associées will commemorate the effects of Indian Residential Schools by holding a series of testimony-gathering events across Quebec to give former students the opportunity to share their stories with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members. A wampum belt will be created using artifacts and testimony contributions from various communities and will be presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at the National Event in Quebec.

“Healing Gardens/Courtyard”

Project Lead: Listuguj Mi’gmag Government
Location: Listuguj, Quebec

The Listuguj Mi’gmag Government will create a healing garden and courtyard at the site of the new Waqatasg Elders Home as a space for healing to take place. Interpretive panels will provide information about the history of Indian Residential Schools and will honour former students for their strength and resiliency. The gardens, courtyard and interpretive panels will be educational, spiritual, culturally appropriate and healing in nature. A pow wow and feast will be held to unveil the completed project.

“A Historical, Language and Culture Preservation Project”

Project Lead: Mohawk Language Custodian Association
Location: Kanehsatake, Quebec

To commemorate the history of Indian Residential Schools and the experiences of former students from Kanehsatake, efforts will focus on the preservation of the Mohawk language through various artistic forms of expression (music, poetry and traditional art forms), and the development of curricula to teach the language and culture through a series of classes to younger generations. As well, commemorative plaques will be placed at each of the two schools in Kanehsatake as a permanent memorial to former students of Residential Schools.

“Healing Starts with Communication”

Project Lead: Timiskaming First Nation
Location: Timiskaming, Quebec

Timiskaming First Nation and a number of surrounding communities will gather to commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with a community pow wow themed “Honouring the Survivor”. This event will promote awareness of the history of Indian Residential Schools and strengthen healing and reconciliation within the community. A cultural camp for youth will be held incorporating traditional activities such as canoeing, archery, and blueberry picking, providing youth with the opportunity to learn traditional skills from Elders. Finally, a commemorative monument will be designed, installed and unveiled to pay tribute to former students’ experiences.

“Initiative de commemoration du RCAAQ: Projet Makushan”

Project Lead: Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec
Location: Wendake, Quebec

The Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) will hold a Makushan, or a banquet, for former students in each of the friendship centres in the RCAAQ network. These gatherings will allow former students with the opportunity to step out of isolation and to come together to meet and celebrate their strength. The community of Manawan will host a two-day healing gathering and a memorial book will be created and distributed to all friendship centres in Quebec to honour the Indian Residential School experiences of former students in Quebec.

Atlantic

“Memorial Monument to Honour the We’koqma’q Residential School Survivors – Past and Present”

Project Lead: Theresa Cremo Memorial Health Centre
Location: Waycobah, Nova Scotia

The We’koqma’q Residential School Survivors group and the Theresa Cremo Memorial Health Centre will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with the creation and installation of a memorial monument, to be placed in front of the community school. An unveiling celebration and feast will be held, providing former students, their families and communities with the opportunity to come together to honour and validate their Indian Residential School experiences as they continue on their journey of healing and reconciliation.

“I Lost my Talk”

Project Lead: Lottie Johnson, Eskasoni First Nation
Location: Eskasoni, Nova Scotia

To commemorate the experiences of former students of Indian Residential Schools, the community of Eskasoni will install a granite monument along with four accompanying benches at the Sarah Denny Cultural Centre. Engraved into the monument will be a poem by the renowned Mi’kmaq poet, the late Rita Joe, entitled “I Lost My Talk”. The poem speaks to the loss of culture and language as an experience resulting from attending Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. A two-day cross-cultural event will be held to unveil the monument and will include traditional cultural components to promote reconciliation among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members.

“Establishing Residential School Legacy Program at the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre”

Project Lead: The Confederacy of Mainland M’ikmaq
Location: Truro, Nova Scotia

The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools by creating three curricula units for grades four to six, seven to nine, and ten to twelve that address the history of Indian Residential Schools in the context of healing. An exhibit of interpretive panels will also be created using the stories gathered during a series of community gatherings in each of the ten communities and will be available for use at conferences and gatherings. These resources will contribute to educating Canadians about the history of Indian Residential Schools and serve as a lasting commemoration of the Indian Residential School experience.

“Commemoration Initiative Proposal for Wagmatcook Mawio’mi”

Project Lead: Wagmatcook First Nation
Location: Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia

The Wagmatcook First Nation will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with a Grand Entry, a Welcome Home Ceremony, an Honour Song for former students, the development and unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and various other traditional ceremonies that will bring the community together to pay tribute to former students and promote healing and reconciliation.

The North

“A Lasting Legacy”

Project Lead: Hamlet of Cambridge Bay
Location: Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

The Hamlet of Cambridge Bay will commemorate former students of Residential Schools by installing a monument to represent the effect that the Residential School system has had on the fabric of the Inuit family. The site of this monument will be a quiet place by the water where former students and their families can gather to reflect on the intergenerational effects of Residential Schools, creating dialogue that will promote healing and reconciliation within the community. A traditional cultural event will be held to unveil the monument.

“We Had it – We Still Have It!”

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

The Inuvik Community Corporation will commemorate the legacy of Residential Schools by holding a seven-day Inuvialuktun Language Immersion Camp at Reindeer Station. This language revitalization camp is structured to provide participants with a fully-immersed Inuvialuktun experience by spending a week on the land in an isolated, safe location practicing the language in everyday living. Participants will then be placed in public settings where they will lead opening prayers, blessings and contribute to the revitalization of Inuvialuktun in the community.

“Commemoration Residential School Program”

Project Lead: Katlodeeche First Nation
Location: Hay River First Nation, Northwest Territories

The Katlodeeche First Nation will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools by creating a commemorative bronze plaque and shrine dedicated to former students of the Indian Residential School system. Additionally, local park grounds will be cleaned up, re-fenced, and seating extended. The park will be the site for the installation of the commemorative shrine and plaque, restoring the space to one where former students, their families and community members can gather to reflect and create new and positive memories.

“Norman Wells Métis Women’s Society Truth and Reconciliation Project 2012-2013”

Project Lead: Norman Wells Métis Women’s Society
Location: Norman Wells, Northwest Territories

The Norman Wells Métis Women’s Society will permanently commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with the creation of a community photo album, booklet and the installation of a commemorative monument displaying the names of former students from Norman Wells. An honourary prayer ceremony and community feast will bring the community together to pay tribute and honour former students, using traditional ceremony, prayers and customs to bring about healing and reconciliation.

“Left Behind…Never Again. Honouring the Children Taken and Healing and Moving Forward with Those Left Behind”

Project Lead: Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre
Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut

The Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin Inlet will commemorate the Residential School experience by holding a two-phase event that honours the former students, families and communities in a celebration of fellowship. The first phase will focus on honouring the former students, while the second phase will acknowledge the families of former students. Both phases will incorporate foundational aspects of Inuit culture, traditional history and healing, and will be held at culturally significant sites.

“K’anacha Commemoration”

Project Lead: Trondek Hwech’in Health and Social Services
Location: Dawson, Yukon

The Trondek Hwech’in Health and Social Services will commemorate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools by undertaking a multi-faceted project that includes purchasing and distributing copies of the book titled “Nawtr’udah’a: Finding Our Way Home”, an excellent resource to share the history of Indian Residential Schools. In honour of former students, local youth will donate their artwork and plants to the community garden. The broader community will also be engaged through the installation of a commemorative plaque at the annual Moosehide Gathering and through a community-wide art exhibition based on the theme of Indian Residential Schools and reconciliation.