Presenters : Anne Panasuk, Awacak consultant; Maria-Louise Nanipou, Project Manager 

Institution: Awacak

Testimonial from a family who lost one or more children following their admission to a health and social services facility.

On the one hand, the Native and, on the other hand, the non-Native. One denounces the genocide, colonization and heavy losses suffered by its people and the other questions the Quebec and Canadian socio-political systems and particularly the education system.

Indeed, how and why have stories of disappearances and trauma, in the Indigenous world, been obscured?

How, therefore, can we place our trust in current education systems?

This analysis will focus on the need to trust and be open to others, despite the events of the colonial past.

We want to support Awacak’s mission dedicated to the fight against invisibilization. Therefore, we will talk about the separation and heartbreak experienced by Indigenous families who have had their children taken from them.

We will propose a pedagogical approach promoting a connection with those who did not learn the history of the First Peoples in school, nor heard the cry of Indigenous families, nor saw the extent of the suffering and intergenerational trauma caused by political, economic, social, and educational decisions. The Awacak team, through its commitment and mandate, works in accordance with the values, rhythm, and customs of Indigenous families.