To begin with I would like to say that I am honoured to speak in response to my reading of the stories of Velma Page, Roy (Jake) Denny and Isabelle Knockwood.  I read and listened to them on the online sites “Where are the children?” and “Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre”.  I also want to acknowledge all other victims affected by Colonization and Residential schools.  I hope that others will watch this and find themselves more aware of the repercussions that so many indigenous families and individuals suffer and have suffered.  My hope is that an increased awareness about these atrocities will bring forth change.  Mostly I hope that my answering creative contribution along with others, might in some small way help you to heal your soul.  Please know that your story, your memories, your pain is important to me.  I have taken it and tucked it in a special place in my heart and will never forget it.  It is your story.  And it is unique and special.

My PowerPoint creation is trying to illustrate through symbols and words how I feel about our different cultures.  Or to be more clear, about the beauty, resiliency, and strength in your stories, and how I feel that the world would benefit from everybody connecting more and trying to understand each others unique qualities and ways of being.  I am hoping the unique items I have chosen will stand out and tell a story.  The dove holding clover represents peace between us, while the dreamcatcher represents the dreams each of us have for ourselves, our children and the world.  The two shaking hands shows the need for us all to connect and work together, the rocks how there is beauty In balance, and the statue in thought reminds me to think before I act.  Everything I chose was to represent strength, resiliency, trust and connection.  I believe that by connecting and taking the chance to try and understand each other more, we can work on creating a bond, which could help us learn to then trust one another.  Our children will also take note of our behavior and actions, perhaps carrying it on in the future.

I have a deep respect for you.  The pain you have suffered and continue to suffer is reprehensible.  It is a misconception that the effects of Residential schools and colonization ceased a long time ago.  Not so, as it continues in the next generations.   And I see so clearly in your stories the respect for the next generation and the importance of it.

I feel at a loss for words and I worry about unknowingly saying something insulting in some way.  I am so sorry if I do.  It is not intended.  I wish I had an answer, a way to make this better, but there is no easy, simple way.  It needs to be faced head on, so that those who have been wronged can rage and be heard by those at fault and those not.  It needs to be purged, to be picked apart, to be understood, so as to make sure that it is not repeated.

I want to thank you for sharing your stories.  I receive this act of trust and courage with compassion and admiration.  I feel a connection to you now and I humbly wish you a peaceful and happy existence.

Sincerely,

Tangerine Penney