On May 28, 2021, the remains of 215 children were found in unmarked graves on the site of a residential school ground. For residential school survivors and their families, this discovery triggered many painful memories. For non-Indigenous Canadians, and especially those who identify as Christians, our hearts are broken. We want to help in any way we can, but we are often … [Read more...] about Practicing faith as an Indigenous person: Books by Parry Stelter
Indigenous
How to process the shock and awe of Kamloops?
Recently I wrote about forgiveness and the way I was responding to the 215 children in a mass grave, at the Kamloops residential school. When I think about my reaction, I have to immediately step outside of myself, and think deeply about my fellow Indigenous People. How to process the shock and awe of the discovery of these mass graves. Many people are … [Read more...] about How to process the shock and awe of Kamloops?
A chance for dialogue about true reconciliation
When the news came to the world about the cemetery in Kamloops Residential School this was no surprise to me as an Indigenous person. This reaction was not because I’m cynical and think the worst of people, but because it’s common knowledge amongst our people and residential school survivor stories and testimonies that this was the case. In general, the overall 500-year history … [Read more...] about A chance for dialogue about true reconciliation
Beyond the Sixties Scoop
When you read Beyond the Sixties Scoop by Deborah Ironstand you’ll be taken on a journey of brokenness, healing, and resiliency. Going back to childhood memories of living with her mother, grandma, and grandpa, and not knowing who her father was, gives the reader a picture of living off the land within a traditional Anishinaabe and Ojibway household. Although this was … [Read more...] about Beyond the Sixties Scoop
Broken Circle: The Life Story of James M. Peters
When you read through Broken Circle, you’ll see a picture of a young Indigenous boy, with the bloodline of the Potawatomi and Chippewa people. Originally from Caldwell First Nation, James Peters’ life story is dedicated to all residential school and sixties scoop survivors. Yet, you’ll soon find out that it’s also dedicated to the work of God in this man’s life. As a young … [Read more...] about Broken Circle: The Life Story of James M. Peters