Single Mom Diaries | Talking to my Son About #orangeshirtday and What it Means

So, today was #orangeshirtday and I realized I hadn't actually sat down with my son to talk about the meaning behind it. Even though he hasn't brought it up, I know it's important for me, as an indigenous woman and the granddaughter of a residential school survivor, to educate him about this dark part of our past.

I find it challenging to find the right words to help my son truly grasp the difficult concept of children, some his age, being ripped away from their families, placed in residential schools, and subjected to abuse while being forbidden from using their languages or celebrating their culture. When I made the decision to sit down with him and address the issue, I approached the conversation with a strong focus on my wording, tone, and verbiage.

So, when talking to my son about residential schools, I knew it was super important to be sensitive and, above all, honest. These schools had a huge impact on Indigenous communities in Canada. They were where Indigenous kids were taken away from their families and culture, causing them to lose their language and identity. The children who went to these schools often went through really tough times, dealing with abuse, neglect, and having their culture suppressed.

I believed it was crucial to offer truthful and suitable information for his age. I started by describing residential schools as institutions where Indigenous children were separated from their families. I delved into the purposes of these schools and the effects they had on Indigenous communities. I recognized the significance of highlighting empathy, respect, and understanding when addressing this challenging subject.

During our conversation, I shed light on the remarkable resilience and unwavering strength exhibited by Indigenous communities in the wake of historical injustices and the enduring impact of intergenerational trauma. I urged him to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and histories, emphasizing that gaining a clear perspective will not only cultivate empathy and awareness but also ignite a spark of social responsibility within him.

I hope that he comes to realize deep within himself that our origins are closely connected to the strength of those who survived. It is a profound responsibility for us to teach others about this history and pay tribute to the memory of those who came back and especially those who did not.

~smy