INDIGENOUS IDENTITY AND CONNECTIONS TO PLACE

The residential school survivors and their descendants, the victims of the 60's Scoop and children who grew up away from their home community, are trying to rebuild their Indigenous identity and sense of self. Colonization has damaged Indigenous identity, connection to place and cultural continuity. Yet, Indigenous resilience and strength is shining through and today our presenter will examine the current social cultural and educational movements to bring back what was nearly lost.

Presentation by Richard Hill.

Richard Hill is a Tuscarora Citizen of the Haudenosaunee, a Confederation of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora Nations. He has been responsible for recovery of wampum belts from museums and historical societies, uncovering the history they carry, and sharing these teachings so that the lessons of history are not forgotten. He has worked for the National Museum of the American Indian, the State University of New York at Buffalo, Six Nations Polytechnic and now is the Indigenous Innovations Specialist at Mohawk College, Hamilton, ON.

Warning: The following video includes a discussion of the harsh treatment experienced by First Nations children in residential schools in the 1950s. This content is disturbing, so I encourage everyone to prepare themselves emotionally before proceeding. If you believe that the presentation will be traumatizing for you, then you may choose to forgo it. Please seek assistance if you require it.

Truth and Reconciliation Resources are available at the following locations.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Call to Action
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation