Legacy Schools ReconciliACTION Guide Contents A Message from the Families ...................................................................................... 4 In the Present ............................................................................................................... 5 Our Creation Story ....................................................................................................... 8 Welcome to the Legacy Schools Program ................................................................... 9 Legacy Schools Commitment .................................................................................... 10 Background ................................................................................................................ 11 DWF Programs ........................................................................................................... 14 Legacy Schools ReconciliACTIONs ............................................................................. 16 Canada’s Residential School System .......................................................................... 19 Letter to Parent(s)/Guardian(s) ................................................................................. 24 Education Resources .................................................................................................. 25 Legacy Schools Displays and Rooms .......................................................................... 26 More ReconciliACTION Ideas ..................................................................................... 27 Fundraising ................................................................................................................ 28 Fundraising Tools ....................................................................................................... 29 Socials ......................................................................................................................... 30 Educator Advisory Committee .................................................................................. 31 Thank You .................................................................................................................. 31 “The Wenjack and Downie families enthusiastically grant DWF full permission to share the experiences of their beloved family members, Chanie and Gord, with you. We hope you will honour their legacies and act to make their dream of making Canada a better, more equitable country, a reality. Do Something.” A Message from the Families Chi miigwetch, thank you, to everyone who has signed up for the Legacy Schools program and continues to support the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF). We believe it is so important for all peoples in Canada to understand the true history and impact of residential schools, so the distinct cultures and strengths of Indigenous Peoples throughout all of Canada can be better acknowledged and appreciated today. Even during these trying times, you have shown the strength to continue to “Do Something”. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards reconciliation. “This pandemic teaches us one thing only: to love one another. One of the greatest teachings, from one who is greater than us – In the Wenjack families’ culture we call him Creator. We believe we have strayed from the original teachings, and that we need to be reminded of what that was. Our mother always asked her children to cover their mouth and nose when they played outside in the winter, so the concept of mask wearing is not new to Indigenous communities. The Elders understand the protection that isolation can provide as well as protecting yourself from the elements.” – Pearl (Wenjack) Achneepineskum We thank you for continuing to share Chanie and Gord’s experiences and helping to keep their legacies alive by being aware, continuing to educate, and connecting with one another though reconciliACTIONs. Both of our families have witnessed the beautiful work being done by Legacy Schools. Students, staff, teachers and communities have sent us their work and we continue to be amazed every day as the program continues to grow and the passion deepens. We love visiting your schools, communities and events and we value the gifts sent to us. Such incredible drawings, poems, essays, art, videos, songs, Walk for Wenjack photos, and letters all full of compassion and love. None of this would be possible without all of you. In Unity, Mike Downie & Harriet Visitor Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund In the Present Chanie’s sisters still reside in Ogoki Post in Northern Ontario. Much like the Downies, many of whom still live in Kingston or Toronto, they enjoy hearing from Legacy Schools students and staff. Your letters, drawings, songs and stories are shared with them and inspire all of us at DWF every day. Please share your work with us. Your work directly impacts us and is the driving force behind a national movement of reconciliation. All my relations “All my relations” is a holistic philosophy that has guided the Indigenous way of life since time immemorial. At the heart of “all my relations” is the importance of the interrelationships among everything from the unknowns of the cosmos to all forms of life, animate and inanimate, on Mother Earth. Indigenous ways of knowing and being are centered around respect, relevance, reciprocity and responsibility to maintain the balance of these interconnections. All my relations. Inogiamit nunattinit ikKasugiaKavugut (Inutittut). Msit No’kmaq (Mi’kmaq). Nii’kinaaganaa (Ojibwe). Kakina ni Dodem (Algonquin). Niw_hk_m_kanak (Cree). Your work directly impacts us and is the driving force behind a national movement of reconciliation. 6 Mental Health Support Topics and materials used in educating people about the residential school system can include highly sensitive subject matter and may cause heightened emotional responses from any number of people. It takes courage to talk about your feelings and it helps when others understand what life can be like for you. The impact and effects of residential schools still exist today and are experienced by many Indigenous Peoples, families, and communities. For this reason, subjects and material may be even more difficult and upsetting for Indigenous students, teachers, staff, and those directly affected by intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools. Be aware that emotional experiences can be shared, strong feelings may present themselves, and uncomfortable questions may be asked. Always review material and be familiar with the content prior to beginning any presentations relating to this subject matter. Be certain that everyone knows how to access support. Health Canada provides a free 24-hour crisis line for Survivors and their families affected by the residential school system (also available in French). The 24-HOUR residential school support line: 1-866-925-4419. Cultural Safety Cultural Safety originated within the New Zealand health care system. It was developed to improve care and create respectful relations with Maori (Indigenous Peoples). Cultural Safety takes into consideration historical and social contexts to address inequities, and is not solely focused on simply understanding “Indigenous culture”. It is an overall approach to being more comprehensive in that it does not just focus on supporting individuals but improving the system as a whole. Its aim is to provide a meaningful system of care. Cecilia Jeffrey School, 1963, Photo courtesy of The Presbyterian Church in Canada The impact and effects of residential schools still exist today and are experienced by many Indigenous Peoples, families, and communities. 7 Prepare yourself and your students These conversations are not easy. We recommend that educators prepare themselves and their students for these difficult conversations. Some teachers take the time to let students know that this may be upsetting. Many educators have described these conversations as “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.” We are all learning together and we’re here to help if you need us. Building connection is one of DWF’s pillars so no one needs to teach these subjects without support and education. Crisis Services Canada Available to all Canadians seeking support. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET). Kids Help Phone Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. Available 24 hours a day to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from professional counsellors. Indigenous people can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by messaging FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or MÉTIS to 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults. Hope for Wellness Help Line Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat. Available to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada who need immediate crisis intervention. Experienced and culturally sensitive help line counsellors can help if you want to talk or are distressed. Building connection is one of DWF’s pillars so no one needs to teach these subjects without support and education. 8 Our Creation Story DWF was created out of two families Our Mission coming together to make a change, uphold Chanie and Gord’s legacies, Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to action to build a better Canada, DWF aims to build cultural and create a pathway on the journey understanding and create a path toward reconciliation toward reconciliation.