TRIGGER WARNING: Abuse, Violence, Genocide. This episode speaks about tragic current events, using examples such as the colonization of Palestine, family separation in the US and, most prominently, about the residential schools in Canada.

Show Notes

This was a tough episode to record, not only because of the feelings I have about the topics discussed but because I wanted to make sure I got it right and made justice to the communities affected. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be challenging work within yourself and with your kids; I know I definitely don’t have the right answers. But speaking to my child about current events, especially the most impactful and tragic ones, gives her a different view of the world outside of her home and school. It encourages them to think beyond themselves and also guides them towards action – how can they help?

We often teach our children about kindness, but kindness goes much further than please and thank you. Kindness is something uncomfortable and may come with hesitation; but by teaching our children that they can be kind though advocating for others and using their voice to help communities around the world is kindness on a whole different level.

So while you may be hesitant to speak to your children about tragic current events, like the residential schools or the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, I would encourage you to reflect on the benefits for your child beyond that difficult conversation. In my opinion, I would rather have this information come from me than from a “not so nice” or unreliable source.

Episode Update

I spoke to my daughter about the residential schools, following the discussion her teacher had with her class at school. I shared with her that children were hurt at that school by awful people, and I shared with her that their bodies had been found. I told her how I was feeling about it, mostly angry and sad, and I asked her how it made her feel. Of course, he said she felt very sad for the children and felt angry that people did awful things to them.

I then brought up the idea that we should put some teddy bears on our front porch in memory of the children. She loved the idea and then we cut out orange hearts and wrote “Every Child Matters” on them. She LOVES these teddy bears, so she was concerned something may happen to them. However, she decided that she wanted to put them out anyways as she recognized the act of commemorating the Indigenous children was more important at that moment.

This is a perfect example of what I spoke of above, how I am teaching my child kindness at a deeper level. It goes beyond the tip of the iceberg and I trust she will apply this compassionate approach to other aspects and/or future situations within her life.

Resources

Learning About Residential Schools

Resources For Children

Molly of Denali | CBC Kids

Books About Residential Schools

I have compiled a few books about residential schools to help teach your children about the topic through reading. They will likely have questions as you are reading, so remember to be patient with them and answer their questions honestly.

The top row has books for younger children (ages 5 to 8) and the bottom row has books for older children (ages 7-13).

How To Talk To Our Kids About Residential Schools | CYMS Prevention

The Prevention Program under Child and Youth Milopemahtesewin Services (CYMS) has been developed to strengthen wellness and nurture resilience in families in Moosonee and Moose Factory.

Resources For Adults

There is no doubt that this information is tough to take in and watch/read. Make sure to take breaks as needed and take care of yourself as you review these resources. As you do this, ensure to also reflect on the privilege that we have to step away as needed, as Indigenous people do not have the option to walk away from their stories and trauma.

We Were Children | Documentary

This documentary is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

Stolen Children – Residential School Survivors Speak Out | CBC News

Crimes Against Children at Residential Schools | The Fifth State

My Auntie Survived Residential School | CBC Short Docs

The Residential School System | University of British Columbia

You can read the article within the Indigenous Foundations website. I encourage you to visit the various parts of the website as there are many learning opportunities.

Indigenous Canada | University of Alberta

Indigenous Canada is a free online course from the University of Alberta that you can take through Coursera. It is a 12 week course that can be taken on your own time.

I have personally enrolled for this course and feel that as a settler doing this kind of work it was important that I seek further education on the topic. In addition. if we want to do the work within our communities and beyond then we need to DO THE WORK. It starts with us.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of other resources I can share with you on this topic. As I watched some of the videos above, I could see how easy it was to fall into a “YouTube blackhole” of information, mainly documentaries and stories from survivors. I recommend doing your own research beyond the resources I’ve provided for you above.

I hope this was an insightful learning opportunity for you, and through this it will also be an excellent learning opportunity for your child(ren). It is important that we use our voices to advocate for these issues and teach our children about this so that they can continue to advocate in the future. The work is not done.

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